WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Jacky Rosen (D-NV) and Tom Cotton (R-AR) introduced the Disabling Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act to protect outdoor sporting events from unauthorized drones. This bipartisan bill will enhance security at major outdoor gatherings and sporting events by ensuring that state and local law enforcement have the authority and tools necessary to protect these events from aerial threats in real-time, rather than waiting for federal intervention. This bill is endorsed by the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, the NCAA, and the SEC.
“Major events — including sports and live entertainment — play a significant role in supporting our economy in Las Vegas and across the country, and we need to ensure they are safe,” said Senator Rosen. “Our bipartisan bill would enable state and local law enforcement to better mitigate threats posed by drones to the security of these high attendance events.”
“Stadiums and spectators at large events are vulnerable to unauthorized drone activity, which puts both public safety and national security at risk. Our bill empowers local authorities to safeguard large public gatherings from aerial threats,” said Senator Cotton.
“The NFL thanks Senators Cotton and Rosen for introducing the DEFENSE Act. As the threat of illicit drone use continues to rise, it is critical that our partners in local law enforcement have the tools and resources they need to keep fans safe. The league strongly supports this legislation, which will help keep fans safe at major sporting events across the country,” said Cathy Lanier, Chief Security Officer, NFL.
“Major League Baseball applauds Senators Tom Cotton and Jacky Rosen for introducing the Disabling Enemy Flight Entry and Neutralizing Suspect Equipment (DEFENSE) Act”, said David Thomas, Major League Baseball Senior Vice President of Security and Ballpark Operations. “For several years, MLB has urged Congress to address the growing and unmitigated threat which unauthorized unmanned aircraft systems (UAS or drones) pose to major sporting venues. The Cotton-Rosen legislation would enable the employment of counter-drone technology by well-trained state and local law enforcement to protect our stadiums and sporting venues nationwide. If enacted, this legislation would dramatically increase the security of our stadiums and the safety of the 70,000,000 fans who attend our games annually. We look forward to working with Senator Cotton, Senator Rosen and other members of Congress to advance this critical piece of legislation for the benefit of our fans, players, and employees.”
“In introducing the DEFENSE Act, NASCAR recognizes Senator Cotton and Senator Rosen for addressing a crucial issue related to event security,” said Allen Taylor, Managing Director, Security, NASCAR. “Giving qualified law enforcement partners at the state and local level the resources necessary to mitigate drone related threats is essential to helping keep events and communities across the country safe.”
“The NCAA supports this legislation and thanks Senator Cotton and Senator Rosen for their leadership on this issue. For several years, the NCAA has expressed concern for the threat that unauthorized drones pose at NCAA championships and college sporting events. The safety of the competitors, fans, and staff that work at NCAA events is our top priority,” said Tim Buckley, Senior Vice President of External Affairs, NCAA.
“The safety of our teams and fans is a key priority at athletics events. The SEC commends the bipartisan leadership of Senator Tom Cotton and Senator Jacky Rosen for introducing this important legislation that is intended to provide public safety officials on campuses and in the communities they serve with enhanced measures to address unauthorized drone usage,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.
Senator Rosen has been working to support Nevada’s law enforcement community and ensure it has the resources needed to fight crime effectively and safely. She has also been a leader in supporting Nevada’s tourism economy, including its major events.
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