‘A Force Multiplier’: Michael Guest Touts Drone Usage In Homeland Security Operations

2 days ago

During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Tuesday, Rep. Michael Guest (R-MS) spoke in favor of using drones to advance Homeland Security operations.

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Transcript

00:00Good afternoon, the Committee on Homeland Security, Committee on Border Security and

00:05Enforcement, and Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology will now come to

00:11order.

00:12Without objection, the Chair is authorized to declare the committee in recess at any

00:16point.

00:18The purpose of this hearing is to examine the Department of Homeland Security's use

00:22of unmanned aircraft systems across DHS's components to enhance situational awareness

00:28and increase capabilities across its mission.

00:31I now recognize myself for an opening statement.

00:36Today we convene to examine the expanding role of unmanned aircraft systems across the

00:42Department of Homeland Security.

00:44UAS technology, more commonly simply referred to as drones, play a critical role in border

00:51security, drug interdiction, disaster mitigation, and emergency response.

00:58As the United States faces evolving security threats, drones have become an important tool

01:05and serve as a force multiplier for both law enforcement and first responders.

01:12Drones can provide federal law enforcement with faster response times and a tactical

01:17advantage to include surveillance, remote tracking, aid delivery, and intelligence collection.

01:26Since 2005, the Department of Homeland Security has integrated unmanned aircraft systems into

01:32its border security mission.

01:35Drones have equipped Customs and Border Protection with the ability to locate and track threats

01:40in the air, while also increasing officer and agent safety on the ground.

01:46CBP operates several UAS programs, including a small UAS program enabling rapid deployment

01:53of quadrocopters to provide U.S. Border Patrol agents with real-time situational awareness.

02:02Thanks to the integration of this drone technology, CBC seized approximately 2,800 pounds of illicit

02:11narcotics from FY 2020 through FY 2023.

02:17CBP's air and marine operations oversee the agency's large unmanned aircraft fleet.

02:24The MQ-9s, a critical asset in border security and surveillance operation, has extended the

02:30eyes of agents in the land and maritime environments.

02:35Equipped with cutting-edge radar systems, these platforms operate covertly, significantly

02:42enhancing situational awareness, threat detection, and interdiction capabilities to strengthen

02:49our national security.

02:52In addition to border security, drones are also deployed in response to natural disasters

02:57and national emergencies.

03:00In Mississippi, we have seen how these systems have proven invaluable to law enforcement

03:05and first responders, assisting in search-and-rescue missions in the aftermath of hurricanes,

03:12tornadoes, floods, fires, and other disasters.

03:17In this ever-evolving field, partnering with private industry and public institutions are

03:23critical to enhance law enforcement's capabilities.

03:27DHS partnerships, like the one with Mississippi State University's Rasput Flight Research

03:33Laboratory, have contributed to multiple advances in UAS applications.

03:41Drones have undeniably strengthened DHS operations by increasing efficiency, reducing manpower

03:48requirements, and saving American lives.

03:52As technology continues to evolve, it is imperative that DHS further develop and define

03:59these capabilities.

04:01I believe that Congress has a responsibility to ensure that DHS, along with its public

04:07and private partners, has the necessary resources to advance the critical technology in support

04:14of national security and public safety.

04:18I hope this hearing provides us with some concrete ideas on which this body can act

04:24in furthering this important mission on behalf of our fellow citizens.

04:29Before I yield to the Ranking Member, I would like to take a moment to thank Supervisory

04:34Special Agent Larry Martino for his outstanding contributions to the committee.

04:40Over the past 18 months, Agent Martino has been detailed to the Border Security and Enforcement

04:45Subcommittee, where he has provided invaluable expertise and guidance on critical border

04:51security matters.

04:53His deep knowledge, dedication, and commitment to strengthening our national security has

05:00been instrumental in shaping key policy discussions and legislative initiatives.

05:06Next week, Agent Martino will return to his home agency, HSI, where he will continue to

05:12play a vital role in combating transnational crime, enforcing immigration law, and protecting

05:19our national security.

05:21I extend the committee's sincere gratitude for his service in safeguarding our great

05:27nation.

‘A Force Multiplier’: Michael Guest Touts Drone Usage In Homeland Security Operations

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