WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, today released the following statement on the likely use of counter unmanned aerial systems technology in the El Paso area that resulted in the closure of airspace over El Paso International Airport.

“This morning, one part of the Trump Administration did something that caused another part of the Trump Administration to shut down a large civilian commercial international airport. Despite press reporting, the Armed Services Committee has yet to hear an explanation directly from the Department of Defense. This display of incompetence and lack of transparency to the public or congressional committees is troubling. If press reporting is accurate, and a counter unmanned aircraft system was used in the United States without proper coordination with civilian authorities, they owe an explanation to Congress and the public.

“While I recognize the security risks of drones operating inside the United States, the safety of the public, and particularly commercial and general aviation, must be considered. This is why statutory authorities related to countering unmanned systems in the United States require robust consultation with the FAA. The situation in El Paso today shows the harm that can happen when shortcuts are taken and experts are ignored.

“I will continue to seek answers about what happened in El Paso and work to ensure that this type of situation doesn’t happen again in spite of the shocking and dangerous levels of incompetence that this administration demonstrates on a daily basis.”

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