Virginia is facing a growing issue with illegal drones in its airspace, and both state leaders and national figures are taking note. Governor Glenn Youngkin, former President Donald Trump, and Democratic Senator Mamie Locke are all expressing concerns about the potential dangers of these unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) flying over sensitive areas like military bases, shipyards, and other critical infrastructure.

Governor Youngkin Voices Concerns

During a recent visit to Mar-a-Lago to meet with President-elect Donald Trump, Governor Youngkin highlighted the increasing presence of drones in Virginia’s protected airspace. He stated that drones have been spotted in these areas for the last two years, but there has been little action to address the issue.

“I find it unacceptable that nothing is being done to stop this threat,” Youngkin said. He emphasized that the administration must take immediate steps to prevent illegal drone activity, which could pose a security risk to critical infrastructure.

Senator Mamie Locke’s Legislative Effort

On the legislative front, Senator Mamie Locke, a Democrat representing the Hampton area, is spearheading a bill to tackle the growing drone problem. Locke’s district includes sensitive locations such as the Newport News Shipyard and Langley Military Base, which are often targeted by drones flying in restricted airspace.

Locke expressed her concerns during a recent Senate meeting, noting that there is a significant gap between the capabilities of federal and state authorities to address drone threats. “Virginia can step up to further deter this type of activity,” she told the Senate Courts and Justice Committee. The bill passed through the committee unanimously, gaining support from both sides of the political spectrum.

Senator Locke’s proposal is seen as a proactive step to address the increasing number of drones observed flying in restricted airspace. “We need stronger deterrents to ensure that our national security isn’t compromised,” she added.

Trump’s Take on Virginia’s Drone Issue

The issue of drones in Virginia’s airspace also caught the attention of former President Trump during his meeting with Governor Youngkin. Trump expressed concern about the lack of reporting on drone sightings, particularly in Virginia, and agreed with Youngkin that stronger actions need to be taken.

“Glenn was telling me today that in Virginia they have drones all over the place, too, and nobody’s reporting it,” Trump remarked. “I don’t know why they’re not.”

Youngkin, echoing Trump’s sentiments, pointed out that the state’s lack of response to the growing drone problem was a major concern. “The new leadership will work diligently to understand who’s behind this and what we need to do to stop the digital surveillance of our secure infrastructure,” the governor said.

While Trump’s comments were a notable moment during his meeting with Youngkin, his statements were mostly focused on the broader issue of national security, with Virginia’s drone concerns serving as a local example.

Concerns About Federal Budget Cuts

Despite the bipartisan support for addressing the drone issue, Senator Locke raised concerns about the potential impact of budget cuts proposed by Trump’s administration. She fears that reductions in federal workers could make government installations in her district more vulnerable to threats, including drone activity.

“In their minds it’s all about cutting, cutting, cutting, without understanding the consequences for our federal facilities,” Locke told Radio IQ. She believes that the loss of federal employees could undermine the security of key installations in her district, making them more susceptible to drone surveillance and other risks.

Governor Youngkin, however, has been more optimistic, suggesting that Virginians who may lose their federal jobs due to cuts could find new employment opportunities within the state. “There are fabulous opportunities for folks to find a new employer in Virginia should the one they work for move away,” he said in an August interview.

The Push for Tougher Drone Legislation

While the discussion around drones and security continues to unfold, the proposed bill by Senator Locke has gained support from various sectors, particularly the military. During the Senate debate, James Perrine, a representative from Huntington Ingalls Industries, argued that tougher penalties were necessary to deter illegal drone activity. He pointed out that a Chinese national caught for flying a drone over the Newport News shipyard last year received only a six-month jail sentence, which he deemed insufficient.

“If you give up the nation’s secrets on vital technology, you’re putting our troops in harm’s way,” Perrine said, stressing the importance of imposing stricter penalties to ensure deterrence.

Senator Emily Jordan, a Republican from Isle of Wight, also supported the bill, stating that the legislation is narrow enough to protect national interests while addressing the increasing drone threat.

A Divided Debate

However, not everyone agrees with the proposed punishment in Locke’s bill. Senator Jenifer Carrol Foy, a Democrat from Prince William County, expressed concerns that the bill’s felony punishment – which could range from two to 10 years in prison – was too harsh. She suggested a lighter classification with a reduced sentence of one to five years. “You think flying a drone over an area is as bad as kidnapping, shooting into a vehicle, and arson?” Foy asked during the debate.

Despite her objections, supporters of the bill emphasized the importance of a strong deterrent. The debate on the bill is expected to continue in the coming weeks, with the potential for revisions before it moves forward.

Moving Forward

As the issue of drones continues to grow, both local and national leaders are aligning to address the threat. With the support of Governor Youngkin, President-elect Trump, and Senator Locke, there is hope that stronger legislation will be enacted to protect Virginia’s critical infrastructure from the growing dangers posed by illegal drones.

As lawmakers continue to work on this important issue, Virginia residents can expect more discussions, debates, and potential changes to drone laws in the coming months. Whether these efforts will be enough to stop illegal drone activity remains to be seen, but for now, the conversation is gaining momentum.

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