Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Ala.) participated in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing titled “Securing the Skies: Law Enforcement, Drones, and Public Safety” to discuss the increasing national security challenges posed by unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), particularly in the context of public safety, law enforcement, and border security.
The hearing featured testimony from Michael Torphy, Unit Chief and Supervisory Special Agent for the FBI’s UAS and Counter-UAS operations at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, and Steven Willoughby, Director of Counter-UAS Program Management at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
Senator Britt began by highlighting her recent visit to Redstone Arsenal, where she hosted FBI Director Kash Patel. She emphasized Redstone’s role in providing advanced technological infrastructure and training vital to national counter-UAS strategies.
In her exchange with Mr. Torphy, Britt asked how the FBI is addressing the increasing technological sophistication and lethality of drones. Torphy pointed to the strategic partnerships between FBI Redstone, the Department of Defense, and contractors, noting that Redstone is ideally positioned due to its proximity to military and defense assets.
Britt also pressed for clarity on what additional authorities the FBI might need to enhance drone threat response. Torphy emphasized the importance of expanding detection capabilities to include state, local, tribal, territorial law enforcement, and correctional facilities, stating, “It’s very difficult to fight the enemy that you can’t see.”
The conversation shifted to the role of drones at the U.S. border and the threat of cartels. Britt asked what further support state and local law enforcement might need to counter these threats. Torphy discussed the FBI’s partnerships in Mexico, where they provide counter-UAS training in exchange for intelligence on cartel activities impacting U.S. security.
Concluding her remarks, Britt addressed the broader implications for national events such as the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympics. She asked whether federal agencies have the tools necessary to secure major gatherings across the country. Willoughby acknowledged federal resource limitations and called for expanded authority and coordination with state and local partners to address potential coverage gaps at large-scale events.
The hearing underscored bipartisan concern about drone-related threats and highlighted ongoing interagency collaboration efforts to ensure public safety in an evolving technological landscape.
