WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Mitt Romney (R-UT) introduced the bipartisan Combating Foreign Terrorist Drones Act to prevent foreign terrorists—such as Al Qaeda, the Islamic State, and Iran-backed groups like the Houthis—from acquiring unmanned aerial systems, or drones, to conduct attacks, collect intelligence, and deliver weapons or supplies. As recently as January 28, 2024, an Iran-backed terrorist group committed a drone attack in Jordan that killed three American soldiers and injured 40 more.
“Foreign terrorist groups are increasingly acquiring and using drones to target American servicemembers and our allies,” said Senator Rosen. “I’m helping introduce this bipartisan bill to prevent terrorist organizations from acquiring drones, protect our servicemembers from attacks, and enhance our national security.”
“With the rise of unmanned aerial systems used in warfare, and the relative ease of access to commercial drones, it has become more critical to keep foreign terrorist groups from getting their hands on drones,” Senator Romney said. “Since the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas, there have been dozens of drone attacks on American troops by Iran-backed groups. Preventing foreign terrorists from acquiring drones will save American lives, degrade terrorist capabilities by reducing their stockpiles, and protect our national security interests.”
Senator Rosen has been leading efforts in the Senate to defend against Iranian aggression. Last week, she introduced bipartisan legislation to counter space threats posed by Iran and its proxies. Last year, Rosen’s bipartisan MARITIME Act to require the Department of Defense to work with partners in the Middle East to counter maritime threats posed by Iran and other violent organizations was signed into law. Last Congress, her bipartisan DEFEND Act to establish an air and missile defense architecture with Israel and other Middle East allies was signed into law.
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