JONES SUPPORTS BILL TO PROTECT AMERICANS FROM GOVERNMENT DRONE SURVEILLANCE

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Walter B. Jones (NC-3) is cosponsoring legislation that would prohibit the federal government from using drone surveillance against U.S. citizens without a legally obtained warrant.  The bill, H.R. 5925 – The Preserving Freedom from Unwanted Surveillance Act of 2012 – was introduced in June by Georgia Republican Representative Austin Scott.  If passed, H.R. 5925 would only permit the federal government to use drone technology without a specific warrant when patrolling the national borders and when credible intelligence exists to indicate that there is a risk of a terrorist attack.  

“It is imperative that the privacy of the American people be protected from an increasingly invasive government,” said Jones.  “Without the proper restraint, there is potential for drones to be used to spy on Americans in violation of their constitutional rights.”

Drone surveillance is potentially much more intrusive than the kind of surveillance routinely performed by piloted aircraft.  Drones are capable of staying aloft for days at a time and can be equipped with highly sophisticated camera technology that can collect a constant stream of footage.  Without a requirement that a warrant must be obtained, drones can conduct surveillance activity without just cause.