Ranking Member Johnson Statement on White House Commitments to Accelerate the Safe Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
(Washington, DC) - Safe integration of unmanned aircraft is challenging. It requires careful incorporation with the highly-complex network that comprises the National Airspace System which is made up of air navigation and air traffic control facilities, airports, technology, and the appropriate rules and regulations. Today, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) announced steps to promote the safe integration and innovative adoption of unmanned aircraft systems across the United States.
In response to the White House’s action, Ranking Member Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX) issued the following statement:
The incorporation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, is a highly visible example of how rapid innovation can lead to more effective government services and good paying jobs. Democratic Members of this Committee, through their oversight and support of the research activities conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), have been ardent supporters of this technology. The President’s actions to expand the Federal Government’s capacity to use unmanned aircraft operations to advance agency and department missions and accelerate research discoveries related to airspace integration, and private actions to enhance mobility, expand participation, and promulgate privacy best practices is a welcome boost. In addition, as a strong advocate that the incorporation of UAS in the National Airspace System must be done safely, I am heartened that the President recognizes the value of having NASA work closely with the FAA, the FAA UAS Test Sites, and the UAS community to ensure that safety functions for unmanned aircraft are defined and validated to inform development of UAS-related standards and regulations.
Next Article Previous Article