SE North Carolina News

Senators Ted Budd (R-NC) and Mark Kelly’s (D-AZ) bill, known as the 'Seeing Objects at Altitude Regularly' (SOAR) Act, has passed the House of Representatives. This development comes as part of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act. The Senate had already approved the FAA Reauthorization last week, and now the package is set to be signed into law.

The SOAR Act was introduced in response to four unidentified aerial objects over North America, one of which was a Chinese surveillance balloon. These objects were intercepted and neutralized by U.S. fighter jets.

The legislation mandates that the FAA implement new regulations requiring all high-altitude balloons operating 18,000 feet above sea level to be equipped with a tracking system. This system will transmit crucial data including the balloon's altitude, identity, and location.

Senator Budd stated: “In order to better protect America’s skies, we must improve how we track and identify objects flying over U.S. airspace. That is exactly what the SOAR Act will do. I am pleased that Senator Kelly and I were able to get this important piece of legislation included in the FAA Reauthorization bill and that it will soon be law.”

Senator Kelly added: “As a former Navy combat pilot, I know well the importance of protecting our nation’s airspace. I’m thrilled that this bipartisan effort will soon become law and strengthen our national security by equipping our military with the necessary tools to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly and effectively, making our skies safer.”