Exploring the Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Across the DHS Enterprise
2025-04-01
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Source: Congress.gov
Participants
Transcript
Good afternoon. The Committee on Homeland Security, Committee on Border Security and Enforcement, and Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology will now come to order. Without objection, the chair is authorized to declare the committee in recess at any point. The purpose of this hearing is to examine the Department of Homeland Security's use of unmanned aircraft systems across DHS's components to enhance situational awareness and increase capabilities across its mission. I now recognize myself for an opening statement. Today we convene to examine the expanding role of unmanned aircraft systems across the Department of Homeland Security. UAS technology, more commonly simply referred to as drones, play a critical role in border security, drug interdiction, disaster mitigation, and emergency response. As the United States faces evolving security threats, drones have become an important tool and serve as a force multiplier for both law enforcement and first responders. Drones can provide federal law enforcement with faster response times and a tactical advantage to include surveillance, remote tracking, aid delivery, and intelligence collection. Since 2005, the Department of Homeland Security has integrated unmanned aircraft systems into its border security mission. Drones have equipped Customs and Border Protection with the ability to locate and track threats in the air, while also increasing officer and agent safety on the ground. CBP operates several UAS programs, including a small UAS program enabling rapid deployment of quadrocopters to provide United States Border Patrol agents with real-time situational awareness.
Thanks to the integration of this drone technology, CBC seized approximately 2,800 pounds of illicit narcotics from FY 2020 through FY 2023. CBP's air and marine operations oversee the agency's large unmanned aircraft fleet. The MQ-9s, a critical asset in border security and surveillance operation, has extended the eyes of agents in the land and maritime environments. Equipped with cutting-edge radar systems, these platforms operate covertly, significantly enhancing situational awareness, threat detection, and interdiction capabilities to strengthen our national security. In addition to border security, drones are also deployed in response to natural disasters and national emergencies. In Mississippi, we have seen how these systems have proven invaluable to law enforcement and first responders, assisting in search and rescue missions in the aftermath of hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, fires, and other disasters. In this ever-evolving field, partnering with private industry and public institutions are critical to enhance law enforcement's capabilities. DHS partnerships like the one with Mississippi State University's RASPID Flight Research Laboratory have contributed to multiple advances in UAS applications. Drones have undeniably strengthened DHS operations by increasing efficiency, reducing manpower requirements, and saving American lives. As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative that DHS further develop and define these capabilities. I believe that Congress has a responsibility to ensure that DHS, along with its public and private partners,
has the necessary resources to advance the critical technology in support of national security and public safety. I hope this hearing provides us with some concrete ideas on which this body can act in furthering this important mission on behalf of our fellow citizens. Before I yield to the ranking member, I would like to take a moment to thank Supervisory Special Agent Larry Martino for his outstanding contributions to the committee. Over the past 18 months, Agent Martino has been detailed to the Border Security and Enforcement Subcommittee, where he has provided invaluable expertise and guidance on critical border security matters. His deep knowledge, dedication, and commitment to strengthening our national security has been instrumental in shaping key policy discussions and legislative initiatives. Next week, Agent Martino will return to his home agency, HSI, where he will continue to play a vital role in combating transnational crime, enforcing immigration law, and protecting our national security. I extend the committee's sincere gratitude for his service in safeguarding our great nation. At this time, I would like to recognize the ranking member for the Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement, the gentleman from the great state of California, Mr. Correa, for his opening statement. Thank you, Chairman Guest and Chairman Strong, for holding this most important hearing today. I want to thank our guests today as well. Thank you very much. Important hearing today on the use of unmanned aircraft systems across the AHS. Today, we're going to hear about how drones are used by the Department of Homeland Security to strengthen disaster response, border security, and keep Americans safe. And it's important to hear from our partners on the field where the rubber meets the road, as well as those developing these critical technologies about what we in Congress can do to support federal, state and local partners in this effort.
And I believe we also need to continue to support research in new and emerging technologies like drones. With the terrible environmental disasters happening almost on a daily basis across the country, we must support our frontline partners with the tools that you need to do your jobs and keep our community safe. Now, I must say that I am concerned to see the administration moving to dismantle FEMA and to reduce the resources available for disaster response. Our partners in the field are facing greater challenges in delivering aid to those who need it the most on a timely basis. This hearing is timely as we continue to explore how we can better equip those in the front lines, especially as our resources continue to shrink under this administration. From the California wildfires to hurricanes and flooding in Florida and North Carolina, drones can help frontline personnel respond quickly and effectively
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