State legislatures pick up national security as Washington dithers

State legislatures are moving to address national security concerns as Washington is described as slowing down, with Missouri Sen. Nick Schroer citing drone-related threats near Whiteman Air Force Base. Schroer first heard rumors during the state’s 2024 legislative session and later referenced reports of a Canadian couple with alleged ties to Chinese intelligence buying a trailer park less than a mile from the base perimeter. Whiteman houses the U.S. fleet of B-2 Spirit stealth bombers, aircraft described as central to U.S. strategy including potential future conflict involving China. Schroer introduced legislation restricting drone flights over critical infrastructure such as military bases, and a version became law last month. The article also describes how advocacy group State Shield and allies work across 17 states, pushing sample bills on foreign political influence, strategic land ownership, divestment from adversarial regimes, and drone incursions.