Subcommittee on Border Security discusses drones to enhance national safety

The U.S. House Committee on Homeland Security convened on April 2, 2025, to explore the pivotal role of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The meeting aimed to generate actionable ideas to enhance national security and disaster response efforts through drone technology.

Chairman Gess opened the session by expressing hope that the hearing would yield concrete strategies for advancing the mission of safeguarding citizens. He acknowledged the significant contributions of supervisory special agent Larry Martino, who has been instrumental in border security discussions over the past 18 months. Martino's expertise will continue to benefit national security as he returns to his role at Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Ranking member Correa emphasized the importance of the hearing, highlighting how drones are utilized to bolster disaster response and border security. He stressed the need for collaboration among federal, state, and local partners to effectively implement these technologies. The committee aims to gather insights from field experts and technology developers to better support these initiatives.

As the meeting unfolded, the discussions underscored the critical intersection of technology and security, with a focus on how UAS can enhance operational capabilities across various sectors of the DHS. The outcomes of this hearing could shape future legislative actions and funding decisions, reinforcing the commitment to protecting American citizens and responding to emergencies more effectively.