On Thursday, September 19^th, Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28) shared remarks with Congressman Howard P. “Buck” McKeon (R-CA25), at the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus 2013 Science and Technology Fair. The annual event featured booth exhibitions conducted by universities, industry representatives, and federal agencies, such as US Geological Survey, Customs and Border Protection, and NASA.

Unmanned systems could become a $13.6 billion national industry in the next three years, according to the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International. The Science and Technology Fair serves to further educate members of Congress, industry stakeholders, and the public on unmanned systems and how they contribute to the defense, intelligence, homeland security, law enforcement, and scientific communities. 

Congressman Cuellar views a quadcopter with representatives from Texas A&M University Corpus Christi at the Unmanned Systems and Caucus 2013 Science and Technology Fair.

“As a Congressman representing a number of communities along the U.S.-Mexico border, I have gained a deep knowledge and appreciation of the uses of unmanned systems,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar (D-TX28). “These cutting-edge technological resources provide an efficient and effective method to protect our borders and have shown to be an asset in multiple fields. Whether it is for law enforcement, detecting forest wildfires, or even gathering vital information on incoming hurricanes and tropical storms, unmanned systems benefit our communities. In addition, unmanned systems provide a burgeoning sector of growth for our economy and additional employment opportunities for our nation.”

“The beneficial applications of unmanned systems are virtually limitless,” said Congressman McKeon.  “Just weeks ago we saw the invaluable contribution these systems made to the efforts to control and extinguish the raging wildfires in California’s Yosemite National Park.  Firefighting capability is just one of the many significant positive contributions unmanned systems can provide.  As the technology develops, it is important that law makers work alongside industry leaders to ensure the proper and comprehensive development, growth and implementation of this new field.  I am proud of the work the Congressional Unmanned Systems Caucus continues to do in this area, especially in its work regarding education on the immeasurable value that unmanned systems can provide to 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, and it is my hope that this fair will allow industry leaders and Members of Congress to come together to discuss these advancements, as well as the future possibilities for this invaluable field.”

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, Vice Chairman of the House Steering and Policy Committee, Senior Whip, and member of the Blue Dog Coalition.  Previously, he served as a Texas State Representative and Texas Secretary of State.