U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Jeff Flake (R-AZ), and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) have introduced The Unmanned Aircraft System Improvement Act of 2015, legislation that would provide critical reform to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) mismanaged Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) programme.
The bill addresses concerns raised in a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Inspector General Report released last month that highlighted the management failures of CBP’s UAS programme to “achieve intended results or recognise all costs of operation.” Specifically, the report found that the UAS programme is not meeting current flight hour goals; is not utilizing the most effective available resources; and is failing to accurately determine programme costs.
“Unmanned Aircraft Systems, when properly utilized, are critical in our fight to effectively secure the border,” said Senator John McCain. “The findings released in the Inspector General Report highlight exactly where reform is needed, and this bill is an important step to ensuring our border security efforts are effective in preventing future waves of illegal border crossings.”
Until DHS can better manage and utilize its current fleet of UAS, The Unmanned Aircraft System Improvement Act of 2015 would prohibit the procurement of new UAS. In addition, the bill would require DHS to conduct continuous, 100 percent surveillance of the Southern border and coordinate with the Department of Defense to ensure the programme is utilizing “best management practices” to improve national security. Finally, the bill would require DHS to submit a detailed report to Congress regarding the programme’s effectiveness.
The legislation proposal is available here.
Source: Press Release
Looks like Sen Schumer also in the photo