The United States House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that is aimed at helping stadium operators combat intrusive drones during competition.
According to ESPN, the legislation aims to make it easier for state law enforncement to disable drones during sporting events.
The House passed the Safer Skies Act as part of a larger defense bill by a vote of 312-112. It will now move to the Senate, which is expected to vote on it as early as next week.
"As our nation prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and the Summer Olympics, robust airspace security will help mitigate credible threats and keep Americans and global visitors safe as they enjoy these world-class sporting events," Senate majority leader John Thune told ESPN in a statement.
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Major sporting events often lack the personnel to disable. If enacted the new law would allow local and state law enforcement to receive the same training as federal agents and work on-site during large-scale sporting events.
"Over the next three years, the United States will host numerous major events that necessitated the expansion of these authorities to combat the emerging drone threats," a White House official told ESPN. "The administration is committed to ensuring these world-class international events [are] safe and secure for all participants."
