DHS Abandons Oversight of Unmanned Aerial Drones Inside US

Disclosure Comes in Advance of Thursday’s Drone Hearing

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX), Chairman of Homeland Security Oversight & Investigations, issued the following statement on the Department of Homeland Security's position and refusal to send a witness to tomorrow's hearing on the domestic use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (drones). The press advisory for tomorrow’s hearing follows.

Statement by Chairman McCaul: "DHS seems either disinterested or unprepared to step up to the plate to address the proliferation of Unmanned Aerial Systems in U.S. air space, the potential threats they pose to our national security, and the concerns of our citizens of how drones flying over our cities will be used. I am concerned DHS isreverting back to a pre-9/11 mindset, which the 9/11 Commission described as a lack of imagination in identifying threats and protecting the homeland.

"Four years ago the Government Accountability Office recommended DHS assess security implications of routine UAS access to the national airspace and take appropriate actions. However, in discussions with my Subcommittee staff prior to this hearing, Department officials repeatedly stated the Department does not see this function as part of its mission. I strongly disagree.

"DHS’s lack of attention to this issue is incomprehensible. 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 should not take a hearing to force DHS to develop policy when it comes to securing our homeland. This is yet another example of how DHS leadership is failing to get ahead of the curve on an issue, which directly impacts the security of the United States.”

HOMELAND SECURITY HEARING ADVISORY

Thursday, July 19, 2012

HEARING: “Using Unmanned Aerial Systems Within the Homeland: Security Game Changer?”

TIME: 9:30AM ET

LOCATION: 311 Cannon House Office Building

Washington, D.C.

Live Web StreamInternet Explorer recommended

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, July 19, Congressman Michael McCaul (R-TX) will chair a hearing to examine the proliferating use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), or drones, by law enforcement and other entities inside the United States. Notable facts and concerns the hearing will examine:

• 200+ active Certificates of Authorization for UAS issuedby the FAA to 100+ domestic entities including law enforcement and academic institutions.

• Nationwide deployment of non-government drones allowed by 2015.

• DHShas yet to implement a 2008 recommendation by the GAO that it assess security implications of routine UAS access to the national airspace and take appropriate actions.

• Security threatposed by the vulnerability of civilian drones to be electronically hacked and commandeered, as recently demonstrated by the University of Texas.

• Video from White Sands Missile Rangeshowing the ability to hack into and commandeer a drone will be shown during the hearing.

Witnesses

Dr. Todd Humphreys

Assistant Professor, Cockrell School of Engineering (Hacked a Drone)

The University of Texas at Austin

Dr. Gerald Dillingham

Director, Civil Aviation Issues

U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)

Chief Deputy Randy McDaniel

Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office (Has a Drone)

Conroe, TX

Ms. Amie Stepanovich

Associate Counsel

Electronic Privacy Information Center

Department of Homeland Security

Witness Invited

Chairman McCaul on theHearing:
“Unmanned aerial systems, commonly referred to as drones, have been a force multiplier in our military operations abroad, and along our borders. These systems are now being used in the United States by law enforcement, government agencies and even academic institutions. Some Americans worry such systems will become invasive ‘eyes in the sky’. Others say domestic drones will eventually be armed. However, no federal agency is taking responsibility for creating comprehensive policies and regulations concerning the use of these systems domestically.

“Additionally, vulnerabilities to drone hackers exist, as recently demonstrated by researchers at theUniversity of Texas, raising concerns these vehicles could be commandeered by terrorists or others with ill intent. Our hearing will examine DHS’s role in the domestic use of unmanned aerial systems and determine the extent to which the Department is prepared to ensure oversight of domestic drones."

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