Welcome from Rob
My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help.
My first and most important job is serving you. Here are some ways I can help.
Wittman, Lawmakers Urge Secretary Austin to Deploy American-Made Drones on Battlefield
Washington,
May 13, 2024
Tags:
National Defense
WASHINGTON – Today, Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA), alongside 10 colleagues, sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, urging the U.S. Department of Defense to send more American-made drones to Ukraine to deploy on the battlefield. Currently, most drones being used in Ukraine’s fight against unprovoked Russian aggression are made by a single Chinese company. The use of American drones in Ukraine allows the United States to build systems superior to Chinese drones and develop capabilities that are necessary for deterring and winning future near-peer conflicts. “The recently enacted Ukraine Supplemental included $13.8 billion in funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a crucial mechanism for delivering defense aid to Ukraine,” the lawmakers write. “In obligating these and other appropriate funds, we strongly urge you to include small, American-made drones in the next package of assistance to Ukraine. Without these drones, Ukrainian forces cannot conduct effective battlefield operations and must rely on insecure drones from China that are increasingly difficult to procure.” Rep. Wittman was joined by Reps. Jack Bergman, Rich McCormick, Carlos Gimenez, Jen Kiggans, Ashley Hinson, Doug Lamborn, Lance Gooden, Nick LaLota, Michael Turner, and Don Bacon in sending the letter to Secretary Austin. To read the full letter, click here or scroll below. ___ The Honorable Lloyd Austin III
The recently enacted Ukraine Supplemental included $13.8 billion in funding for the Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative (USAI), a crucial mechanism for delivering defense aid to Ukraine. In obligating these and other appropriate funds, we strongly urge you to include small, American-made drones in the next package of assistance to Ukraine. Without these drones, Ukrainian forces cannot conduct effective battlefield operations and must rely on insecure drones from China that are increasingly difficult to procure. We look forward to working with you to meet this compelling, urgent need. ### |