Eastern Montana’s skies have once again been breached by suspected spy balloons, and Montanans are outraged at the lack of transparency and action from the federal government. These airborne intruders pose a significant national security threat, yet the Pentagon has chosen to turn a blind eye.
Rep. Matt Rosendale (R-MT), the newly-minted 2nd Congressional District of Montana’s leader, expressed grave concern over the absence of transparency surrounding the incident. Despite contact with the Department of Defense (DoD), the Pentagon has opted not to investigate the spy balloon hovering at an elevation of 57,000 feet over Dawson County, Montana, citing its size and low probability of conducting surveillance.
Montanans have a right to know what is flying over their state, especially in light of the similar event in February 2023, when a Chinese spy balloon was shot down over South Carolina after flying over Montana. This occurrence prompted a wider probe into the phenomenon led by U.S. Senator Jon Tester, who suggested that the flight path of these balloons over states with intercontinental ballistic missiles was far from coincidental.
Tester emphasized the need for a comprehensive policy to address these episodes, considering the potential hazard they pose to commercial and civilian flights. Shooting down such objects is also an expensive proposition, with missile costs upwards of $400,000. These balloon incidents are but a piece of a larger puzzle, as part of China’s multifaceted effort to destabilize and dethrone America as the world’s leading economic power.
In addition to spying, China’s tactics reportedly involve spreading disinformation. The potential security implications of these balloons cannot be ignored, and Montanans demand that their leaders act decisively to protect their citizens. Rosendale has been proactive in seeking more clarity and action, initiating communication with the Commanding Officer at Malmstrom Air Force Base and requesting a briefing from Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin.
Montanans maintain their typical vigilance, keeping a close eye on the skies above them and holding their leaders accountable. The federal government must finally take these threats seriously and act without delay to protect our nation’s security and sovereignty. It is time to put an end to China’s espionage activities on American soil once and for all.
