House committee reviews drone threats, FAIR proposal and steps to protect Selfridge assets

The House Oversight Committee on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence reviewed recent presentations on unmanned aircraft systems and national‑security procurement and discussed a multi‑bill FAIR (Foreign Adversary Influence Reduction) package intended to limit foreign influence in state purchases.

Chair Brook, chair of the House Oversight Committee on Homeland Security and Foreign Influence, opened the meeting by saying he wanted to “do a 4 month review” of presenters the committee has hosted and to discuss next steps on drones, procurement and related federal coordination. He described recent testimony and demonstrations, including a drone flyover and presentations from industry groups and defense speakers.

The committee discussed the way drones have been used in recent conflicts and the implications for critical infrastructure in Michigan. “This article kind of takes that scenario and brings it to, more of a American viewpoint and if this could happen here,” Chair Brook said when referring to recent drone strikes in a foreign conflict and a news article circulated to members. He and other members flagged the risk that small, low‑cost UAS could be used to damage aircraft, power plants or water facilities.

Representatives and presenters who spoke to the committee included Dakota Greenman, who performed a drone flyover demonstration; Matt Rybar of the Michigan Public Safety Drone Association; and Scott Schauffman of AUVSI, who discussed industry logistics. Chair Brook also described earlier testimony from retired Gen. Odie Slocum, who provided an Air National Guard readiness overview and referenced Selfridge Air National Guard base operations.

Committee members discussed procurement restrictions aimed at limiting purchases of drones or components tied to certain foreign manufacturers. Chair Brook said the FAIR package under development would address procurement and enforcement and that drafters were working with stakeholders; he told members some draft bills might be available within about two weeks. He also described recent outreach to members of Congress and Senate staff in order to encourage federal cooperation on FAA authorities and related enforcement.

Members raised additional, practical concerns. A representative quoted an executive order under consideration that could restrict drone manufacturers such as DJI and Autel from selling certain products in the U.S.; Chair Brook said the committee has asked staff to track that federal action. Several members urged that state procurement favor U.S.‑made chips and components to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains, and one member tied that to Governor Whitmer’s effort to attract a domestic chip foundry.

The committee discussed enforcement gaps around airports and noted that airport officials have reported repeated violations of FAA restrictions near runways. Nicole, identified in committee remarks as the director of the Lansing airport authority, was cited by Chair Brook as an example of a local official the committee hopes to involve in future testimony. Members also discussed counter‑UAS technology developed by firms such as BAE Systems and the possibility of demonstrations or site visits.

Committee planning included scheduling additional presenters on cyber and counter‑UAS, field trips to Selfridge and border facilities, and outreach to the Michigan National Guard. Chair Brook said staff and committee members (including Casey and Jake, who were named in the meeting) would coordinate dates and invitations.

Votes at the start of the meeting were limited to routine business: Representative Meerman moved to approve the May 21 minutes; hearing no objection, the minutes were approved.

The committee did not vote on the FAIR package or on procurement restrictions; members instructed staff to continue drafting and coordinating with stakeholders and federal partners. Chair Brook said he plans to circulate draft language to committee members for review when it is available.

Ending: Committee members left with plans to pursue additional testimony on counter‑UAS and cyber, potential field visits to Selfridge and border facilities, and continued drafting of the FAIR procurement and enforcement proposals. The committee adjourned after the chair thanked members for attendance.