SE Minnesota News

Congressman Brad Finstad, who represents Minnesota’s 1st district in the U.S. Congress, has introduced new legislation aimed at strengthening federal regulations on drone activity and protecting American airspace. The proposed bill, called the Protecting America’s Airspace from Unauthorized Drone Activity Act, seeks to codify a previous executive order by President Donald Trump that focused on restoring sovereignty over U.S. airspace.

Finstad, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said the legislation is designed to address growing concerns about the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, by criminals and hostile foreign actors.

“A safe and secure airspace is critical to national security, which is why I’m introducing legislation to codify President Trump’s executive order to protect against unlawful drone activity over military bases, power facilities, and other critical infrastructure sites that not only disrupts operations but poses a serious threat to public safety and airspace sovereignty,” said Rep. Finstad.

The bill proposes several measures: creating a task force led by the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs; requiring the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to propose rules restricting drone flights over sensitive locations; mandating enforcement of civil and criminal laws for dangerous drone operators; allowing federal agencies to use technology for detecting and tracking drones while complying with constitutional protections; and directing further study into counter-drone operations at mass events.

Finstad also joined Congresswoman Jen Kiggans in introducing another bill, the Local Innovation for Flight Technologies (LIFT) Act. This measure would require the Department of Transportation (DOT) to issue new rules for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) drone operations, integrate artificial intelligence into FAA waiver decisions, and establish a pilot program supporting electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) technology at state and local levels.

“Drones have reshaped many private sector industries, like retail, healthcare, and agriculture, while also becoming indispensable tools for our military and law enforcement. As drones become increasingly common in our daily lives, we must continue to innovate in a safe, secure manner. This is why I’ve joined Rep. Kiggans in introducing the LIFT Act, to ensure the Department of Transportation can move forward in a way that preserves the balance between the safety of our airspace and the growth that’s reshaping our country’s aviation, transportation, and commerce,” said Rep. Finstad.

Rep. Kiggans added: “Technology is evolving rapidly—it’s time for our laws and regulations to keep up. Under current law, civilian drone use is inhibited by a beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) regulation. This is keeping industries from being able to fully embrace the breadth of possibilities surrounding drone usage. My LIFT Act aims to change that.”

Brad Finstad has served as U.S. Representative since 2022 after replacing Jim Hagedorn. He previously served in Minnesota's House of Representatives from 2003-2009. Born in New Ulm in 1976, he continues to reside there today after earning his BS degree from the University of Minnesota.