Political Quotes

“I strongly support the conference report for H.R. 658, the FAA Modernization and Reform Act. This bipartisan, fiscally responsible, four-year authorization measure contains important provisions on air traffic control modernization, safety improvements, and job creation through technology and research. In particular, the final bill includes important provisions which I co-authored to establish a program for Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) test ranges. Unmanned aircraft are an evolving technology that will play an increasingly larger role in modem aviation. The importance of these systems to our national defense demonstrates their capability. The uses of UAS have significantly increased, with strong projected growth. UAS are used not only for military applications, but also civilian and commercial purposes, such as border and coastal patrol and monitoring, homeland security, law enforcement, disaster operations, digital mapping and planning, search and rescue, fire detection and management, environmental research and air quality management, air traffic control support, agriculture and fisheries. However, lack of special use airspace to research UAS technologies and detection technique is a potential impediment to the nation's ability to develop this important tool. Mr. Speaker, I have worked with my colleagues in the House Armed Services Committee to create more opportunities for UAS research and investment.…”