NFL calls on Congress to address growing drone threats at games
WASHINGTON - Unauthorized drones are becoming a growing nuisance at NFL games, prompting league officials and other major sports organizations to push Congress for urgent action to prevent potential safety risks.
The NFL, Major League Baseball, and NASCAR are demanding swift approval of legislation aimed at curbing the increasing number of unauthorized drones violating restricted airspace during games and events.
The bipartisan Safeguarding the Homeland from the Threats Posed by Unmanned Aircraft Systems Act, designed to give state and local authorities the power to intercept rogue drones, was blocked in the Senate earlier this year, leaving the issue unresolved.
"The time for us to act on this is now," said Cathy Lanier, the NFL’s chief security officer. "We don’t want to wait until something bad happens."
NFL commissioner calls on Congress to secure Commanders’ future at RFK site
With Congress nearing the end of its legislative session, the future home of the Washington Commanders remains uncertain as NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell lobbies Capitol Hill to transfer the RFK Stadium site to the D.C. government.
The numbers highlight the growing problem: drone sightings at NFL games have skyrocketed from just 12 in 2017 to more than 2,800 in 2023. Lanier called it an alarming trend, adding that while the NFL has the technology to detect drones, federal law prevents the league from taking action.
"We know how significant this threat is, and there’s nothing more we can do," Lanier said.
The league emphasized the need for stronger safeguards to prevent disruptions and ensure fan safety.
"It feels like Groundhog Day," Lanier said.
Drone sightings: No national security or public safety risk, US government agencies say
DHS, FBI, FAA and DoD issued a joint statement saying an investigation into recent reported drone sightings reveals no "national security or public safety risk." Here's what to know.
Senator Rand Paul’s opposition blocked the recent bill, grounding the NFL’s hopes for a safer game-day environment. At this time, efforts to pass the measure remain stalled.
Lanier warned that without action, unauthorized drones could turn a thrilling game day into a nightmare.
"We just need to get this across the finish line," she said.
With millions of fans attending NFL games each year, the league is urging Congress to recover this fumble in drone regulation before it’s too late.