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Dhs Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator Act

Floor Speech

Date: Sept. 4, 2018
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: National Security

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Mrs. WATSON COLEMAN.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6438, the DHS Countering Unmanned Aircraft Systems Coordinator Act.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 6438 directs the Department of Homeland Security to have a designated official to coordinate the Department's unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, plans and policies.

The countering UAS coordinator would work with Department components and offices to ensure testing, evaluation, or deployment of systems to identify, assess, or defeat a UAS threat are in compliance with applicable Federal laws. The coordinator would also serve as the principal Department official responsible for disseminating information to the private sector regarding counter-UAS technology.

In homeland security circles, there is broad recognition that UAS technology enhances capabilities to, among other things, deliver disaster relief to affected areas and surveil weak spots along the southwest border.

At the same time, Mr. Speaker, today, there is considerable concern regarding the security threats that UAS may pose. More and more, we hear of instances where unmanned aircraft systems, commonly referred to as drones, are used for nefarious reasons, such as smuggling operations or to conduct surveillance to evade law enforcement. The threat was underscored last month when a drone was used in an unsuccessful assassination attempt on the life of the Venezuelan President as he spoke at a massive military parade.

As such, I support DHS organizing itself to better address this emerging homeland security threat, as set forth in H.R. 6438.

There is increasingly more concern regarding the potential threats that UAS may pose to the security of our Nation and its people.

Last Congress, when I served as the ranking member of the Oversight and Management Efficiency Subcommittee with Mr. Perry, we worked together on legislation that I drafted to address the UAS threat. Since that time, the range of threats associated with UAS has grown more complex and demand that DHS prioritize counter-UAS efforts in an unprecedented way. Designating an official to coordinate Department counter-UAS plans and policies is a step in the right direction.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Perry) for his work on this measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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