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Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus 2012 Science and Technology Fair

Washington, D.C. – 13 SEP 2012 – Congressmen Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA) and Henry Cuellar (D-TX), Chairmen of the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus hosted the 2012 Science and Technology Fair. The Congressmen welcomed Congressional members, staff, industry leaders and representatives to this year’s event and thanked them for their continued advocacy and support of unmanned systems. The fair showcased 16 organizations involved in the research, development and production of unmanned systems across air, ground and maritime domains. Each organization provided displays of their unmanned system products, designs and research, and had subject matter experts on hand to discuss requirements, costs, and benefits associated with each of their respective unmanned systems.

 
In a 2012 market study the Teal Group estimated that UAV spending will almost double over the next decade to $11.4 billion annually, totaling just over $89 billion in the next ten years. The study also predicted that the United States will account for 62% of the worldwide research, development, testing and evaluation spending on UAV technology over the next decade, and 55% of the procurement. As co-chairs of the Caucus, Congressman McKeon (R-CA) and Congressman Cuellar (D-TX) continue their support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) efforts to integrate unmanned aerial systems (UAS) into the national airspace system (NAS). In February of 2012 the FAA Authorization bill directed the FAA to chart a course toward the safe and responsible integration of UAS into the NAS by 2015, and in turn, unlock the incredible potential of this technology.
 
Congressman McKeon (R-CA) stated that, “the applications of unmanned systems are virtually limitless.  I can’t think of a sector that would not benefit from an unmanned system.” He also added that, “unmanned systems have already proven their worth in California as we saw in the 2007-2008 wildfires where unmanned systems were used to help detect hotspots and provide commanders in the field with critical situational awareness. Unmanned systems have also been used as an effective tool against drug smuggling by patrolling the wide expanse of land along the California/Mexico border and helping seize tens of thousands of pounds of illegal drugs.” “As a representative that shares the border with Mexico, it is my priority to establish effective and efficient ways to protect our borders, which is why I am an advocate for the use of unmanned systems. This event helped to showcase the latest technologies from the unmanned systems industry, the expansion of which is critical to the growth of our economy,” Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX) said. “In 2010, the unmanned aircraft systems industry forecast that incorporation of unmanned aircraft into national airspace would result in 23,000 new jobs by 2025. I’ve seen firsthand how this technology supports law enforcement efforts along the border. Using this technology is beneficial not only to the safety of the border community, but also to the growth of our economy by providing additional employment opportunities.”
 
This year’s Science and Technology Fair served to further educate members of Congress, industry stakeholders, and the public on the immeasurable value that unmanned systems provide to the defense, intelligence, homeland security, law enforcement, and scientific communities. Over the last year the unmanned systems industry has seen significant growth and awareness across all aspects of air, ground, and maritime environments. The members of the bipartisan caucus are committed to the growth and expansion of these systems in all sectors. More information is available at http://unmannedsystemscaucus.mckeon.house.gov/ Facebook, and Twitter.
 
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Welcome from the Co-Chairs

About the
Co-Chairs

Co-Chairman McKeon image

Buck McKeon
Rep. McKeon is helping to educate members of Congress and the public on the strategic, tactical, and scientific value of UAVs... more>>

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Co-Chairman Cuellar image

Henry Cuellar
In 2010, the House Homeland Security Committee appointed him as the Chairman of the Subcommittee on Border, Maritime and Global Counterterrorism. more>>

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