WASHINGTON, D.C. –– Today, Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (R-MS) and Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology Chairman Dale Strong (R-AL) delivered the following opening statements in a joint hearing to examine the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, across the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) mission.

Watch Chairman Guest’s full opening statement.

As prepared for delivery:

Today, we convene to examine the expanding role of Unmanned Aircraft Systems across the Department of Homeland Security. UAS technology, more commonly referred to simply 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, reconnaissance, 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 (CBP) 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 quadcopters to provide U.S. Border Patrol agents with real-time situational awareness. Thanks to the integration of this drone technology, CBP seized approximately 2,800 pounds of illicit narcotics from fiscal year 2020 through 2023.
 
CBP’s Air and Marine Operations oversees the agency’s large Unmanned Aircraft fleet. MQ-9s, a critical asset in border security and surveillance operations, 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, and other disasters.
 
In this ever-evolving field, partnering with private industry and public institutions are critical to enhance law enforcement capabilities. DHS partnerships, like with Mississippi State University’s Raspet Flight Research Laboratory, have contributed to multiple advancements 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 refine 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 this 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.

Watch Chairman Strong’s full opening statement.

As prepared for delivery:

Good afternoon. Thank you to my friend, Chairman Guest, for leading this important discussion and to all the members for being here today. I want to also thank our witnesses for their time and for sharing their expertise. Let me start by shining a light on my district, Alabama’s fifth, which I’m proud to say is well represented on this panel today.
 
As many of you know, Huntsville, Alabama is renowned for its leadership in cutting-edge research and development. As home to Redstone Arsenal, the nation’s second-largest research park, and several universities including UAH, Huntsville is a thriving hub for American innovation.
 
I am glad we have such an excellent panel here and look forward to our discussion. Today we’re here to explore how our homeland security partners use Unmanned Aircraft Systems, or UAS, and how this technology can be a force multiplier for law enforcement, first responders, CBP, and the DHS mission set.
 
Emerging technologies like UAS are reshaping the way we respond to disasters. Drones enable visibility and capability––allowing for the protection of emergency management personnel in high-risk situations, while at the same time increasing the effectiveness of the work they do.
 
For example––small UAS with sophisticated cameras assist in monitoring critical infrastructure and assessing damage. When equipped with AI, these drones can spot potential flood zones or identify hot spots in wildfires.
 
The data collected from these flights equips first responders with the tools to better allocate manpower, vehicles, and victim assistance. Larger drones with heavier payload capacity and longer flight times are also critical tools in disaster management.
 
Rapid deployment and agility enable UAS to access hazardous areas that first responders cannot reach, which proves especially useful when trying to locate survivors or deliver supplies.
 
In response to Hurricane Helene, the Asheville Police Department deployed drones for search and rescue, damage assessment, and overwatch for FEMA.
 
Additionally, pre-positioned UAS in western Florida were quickly deployed in response to Hurricane Milton to track the storm and provide real-time data to law enforcement and first responders. Two hundred flight hours across 16 agencies were recorded, representing over 1,000 flights flown in the first days following the storm.
 
This helped to create a common operating picture that enabled first responders to allocate much-needed resources. This technology has helped save countless lives in the wake of these storms.
 
DHS also utilizes UAS to safeguard our borders. They can leverage this technology to protect our homeland from illegal crossings and combat illicit activities such as human and drug smuggling. The CBP faces tremendous challenges, from dangerous environments and a broadening mission set to adversaries that continue to evolve their tactics and capabilities.
 
Drone technology decreases the workload on CBP agents and provides critical situational awareness to paint a comprehensive picture of the threats impacting our border.

In addition to the use of drones to support operational efforts, DHS’s Science and Technology Directorate also leads government-wide UAS research to counter threats and improve response and recovery operations for disasters.

For example, S&T’s Air Domain Awareness program detects, tracks, and identifies aircraft to prevent and respond to criminal activities along the border.
 
Also, S&T’s National Urban Security Technology Laboratory manages the SAVER program. This initiative helps emergency responders and law enforcement make informed, cost-effective equipment purchases that meet national standards.
 
And on top of these programs, S&T is leading critical developments in counter-UAS, ensuring operational components can defend against nefarious actors. This work is supported by universities and industry partners, reflecting a collaborative public-private partnership across all sectors.
 
As the use of these technologies becomes more commonplace, collaboration is critical so that these devices can be safely operated in a commercial environment and utilized to their full potential. I look forward to today’s conversation and learning more about the great work our witnesses are doing in this space.

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