Sessions calls on former colleagues to send drone legislation to Trump’s desk

Attorney General Jeff Sessions on Tuesday called on his former colleagues in Congress to pass legislation meant to allow federal law enforcement to counter drones that pose security threats.

The former Alabama senator said in a statement that drones can “be used to wreak havoc by criminals, terrorists and other bad actors.” He added that the Preventing Emerging Threats Act would give federal law enforcement “the authority we need to counter the use of drones by drug traffickers, terrorists and criminals while protecting the freedom to use drones lawfully.”

{mosads}”We need this authority today — and so I urge my former colleagues in Congress to send this legislation to President Trump’s desk,” he said. “That will let us get to work, fight this new threat and keep the American people safe.”

The legislation, introduced by Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.) in May and Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas) in July, aims to assist the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) “in preventing emerging threats from unmanned aircraft and vehicles, and for other purposes.”

McCaul and Rep. Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) wrote in an op-ed published by Fox News earlier this month that the legislation would make it easier for the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department “to stop acts of terror, criminal and drug activity, and threats of violence.”

“Our forward-looking bill allows our nation to stay one step ahead of those who wish to bring us harm, by focusing our capabilities and authorities on high-value or high-profile targets,” they wrote.