Mike McCaul

Thank you, Mr. Paul, and thank you for recognizing the importance of information sharing, fusion centers.

I want to personally express my sympathy to those impacted by the terrorist attack at Fort Hood.

It was an act of terrorism, and I do believe that the families of the victims need to be compensated adequately.

I think history will judge that as a correct assessment of what happened on that fateful day.

I can't imagine why, if the Federal Government has this information within its hands, it can't share it with the United States Army.

I believe there is no higher priority for our National security than the issue of information sharing.

Mr. Keating, my Ranking Member, we both worked with fusion centers.

I think that is what should have happened in this case.

Congressman, he said 'Allahu Akbar,' '' God is great, the classic jihadist terminology.

I do think that the American people and the families and the victims deserve that somebody in this Government be held accountable for what happened.

We should treat those who died and who were wounded as brave Americans and award each of them a Purple Heart medal.

We are disappointed that DHS declined to testify here today.

There is no Federal agency that is providing oversight in terms of that security aspect today; is that correct?

I strongly disagree.

Unmanned aerial systems, commonly known as drones, have been a game-changer for our men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Drones have also increased our capabilities to secure our borders and aid our first responders.

I intend for this committee to fix this problem.

It should not take a hearing to force DHS to develop policy.

We are disappointed DHS declined to testify today.

I think it is an eye opener.

I recognize the value of--legitimate law enforcement value of technology. I think as with technology, we have to balance privacy and security.

I think it should be limited to a specific instance or mission within a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

It should not take a 9/11-style attack by a terrorist organization such as Hezbollah or a lone wolf-inspired event to cause DHS to develop guidance addressing the security implications of domestic drones.

it is critical when implementing trade policies that we ensure a level playing field.

I do not mean to use this hearing as an opportunity to fear monger because as a former District Attorney, I do not believe that it's law enforcement's intent to employ these technologies in a harmful manner, but I am seriously concerned…