Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus Hosts Briefing by Special Operations Command
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Mar 11, 2011, 0 Comments
Courtesy Jose Borjon,
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA), Chairman of the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus (CUSC) and Co-chairman, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) hosted members of the United States Special Operations Command for a briefing of members and staff on the importance of unmanned systems in overseas combat operations.
“Unmanned land, air, and sea systems aid our Special Operations forces in performing detailed surveillance and selecting targets, ensuring success on the battlefield,” stated McKeon. “As we continue to combat terrorist networks, unmanned systems allow us to detain terrorists faster and more safely than earlier in the war.”
“I recently joined other members of the House Armed Services Committee on a delegation tour of Fort Irwin, CA to observe pre-deployment training for units rotating in to Afghanistan or Iraq. A portion of the training I witnessed was dedicated to the detection of Improved Explosive Devices or I.E.D’s. Fortunately, recent advancements in scientific technology have made it possible for soldiers to detect and detonate these bombs without injury to us or any of our coalition partners. The industry has met the demand of the Pentagon and its war fighters and we thank them for their ingenuity and scientific development. These new unmanned systems are saving lives in our civil and military communities.”
McKeon added, “Through program reviews, we continue to find efficiencies and savings, but I also want to highlight the critical role of unmanned systems for homeland security. Both land and air systems provide us with the real time data necessary to protect our borders. Unmanned systems continue to expand within homeland security, law enforcement, and scientific fields.”
“Domestic demand for unmanned systems continues to multiply by civil agencies across the country. Many of these organizations apply for Certificates of Authorization for individual flights. Dialogue between Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration will continue as we plan the safe integration of unmanned systems into the national airspace,” McKeon said.
The Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus is working with the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and Federal Aviation Administration to find a safe, expedient solution as unmanned systems expand within the national airspace.
“Unmanned systems have proven effective tools in theater and we are now using them to patrol and secure our U.S. borders by providing up-to-the-minute, latest information and real-time high-definition images to the United States,” Cuellar said. “Congressman McKeon and I will continue to investigate the many ways that unmanned systems can keep Americans safe.”
The goal of the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus is to educate members of Congress, stakeholders, and the public on the strategic, tactical, law enforcement and scientific value of unmanned systems.
The Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus recognizes the overwhelming value of unmanned systems in the scientific, intelligence, law enforcement, and homeland security communities. The members of the bipartisan caucus are committed to the growth and expansion of these systems in all sectors. More information is available at http://uavc.mckeon.house.gov/.
