Hamilton Reporter

U.S. Representative Chuck Fleischmann has introduced the Nuclear Ecosystem Drone Defense (NEDD) Act in the House of Representatives, a bipartisan effort aimed at enhancing the protection of nuclear assets related to national security from drone threats. The bill, co-sponsored by Representatives Susie Lee, Mark Amodei, and Seth Moulton, seeks to expand the Department of Energy's (DOE) authority to defend its facilities against unmanned aerial systems (UAS).

Senator Gary Peters is leading similar legislation in the Senate. The NNSA, which plays a critical role in safeguarding national security through nuclear science applications, operates significant facilities like the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge.

The current DOE mandate only covers facilities with nuclear material, leaving many crucial sites unprotected against drone threats. Recent unauthorized drone sightings have underscored this gap in security.

The proposed NEDD Act aims to allow the DOE to develop defense systems for a wider range of nuclear-related assets and extend protection to facilities housing nuclear weapons components and transport vehicles. It also seeks to authorize DOE to acquire UAS technology for testing countermeasures.

Rep. Fleischmann emphasized the importance of protecting all stages of nuclear production: "The NEDD Act will strengthen our nuclear security enterprise by enabling the Department of Energy (DOE) to protect against threats posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS)."

Congresswoman Lee highlighted the threat posed by unauthorized drones: "Our bipartisan NEDD Act bill will give the Department of Energy the tools it needs to defend all its nuclear and national security assets from unauthorized enemy drones."

Rep. Amodei pointed out recent incidents at key sites: "At present, the Department of Energy lacks the authority to intercept these drones and investigate their origins and intentions."

Rep. Moulton added that adversaries should not have access to sensitive areas: "This bill closes down loopholes to make sure the Department of Energy can fully protect our most sensitive national security capabilities against the threat of drones."