Dale W. Strong

Key Wins for NASA, FBI, Redstone included in Committee-Passed FY27 Commerce, Justice, Science Bill

Position: The congressman supports the FY2027 Commerce, Justice, and Science appropriations bill, which funds NASA space programs, FBI operations, and law enforcement capabilities while emphasizing fiscal efficiency and opposing what he characterizes as wasteful federal spending and certain ATF regulations on firearms.

WASHINGTON — Congressman Dale Strong, Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, secured critical provisions for North Alabama in the Fiscal Year 2027 bill, which passed out of the Committee on Wednesday. “As Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice, Science Subcommittee, I am proud to support this bill. It right-sizes and refocuses spending on the essentials — keeping our nation competitive and safe and advancing American superiority in space and science,” said Representative Dale Strong. “This bill streamlines federal spending to focus on core pillars – national security, law enforcement, and American leadership in space and science – to ensure taxpayer dollars are reserved for mission-critical outcomes. In pushing back against wasteful spending, we are building a more accountable and efficient government that remains steadfast in its primary responsibilities to the American people.” As Vice Chairman, Strong worked to ensure North Alabama’s priorities were included in the Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill. The bill reaffirms North Alabama’s role as a national hub for American space superiority by providing: $2.6 billion for the Marshall Space Flight Center-led Space Launch System, America’s deep-space, human-certified rocket powering NASA’s Artemis missions Up to $110 million for Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), supporting the Administration’s priorities for deep space exploration by advancing faster, more efficient crewed missions to Mars and beyond, while also strengthening U.S. national security and commercial space capabilities $2.2 billion for Marshall Space Flight Center’s continued development of the Human Landing System (HLS), as the U.S. prepares for the upcoming Artemis III mission and HLS capability demonstration $1.4 billion to enhance and strengthen the Orion spacecraft used to transport Artemis astronauts on longer deep space missions Advances North Alabama’s Law Enforcement and Public Safety Missions by: Providing robust support for FBI Redstone’s mission in North Alabama, ensuring they are able to continue to support and sustain the long-term strategic goals as the Bureau’s premier hub for innovation and training Making critical investments into FBI Redstone’s Counter-UAS missions, enhancing the Bureau’s ability to detect, track, and respond to unauthorized drone activity that threatens national security Supporting the modernization of FBI Forensic and Ballistic Research facilities, located at Redstone Arsenal, to strengthen capabilities, improve evidence analysis, and enhance the FBI’s ability to solve and prosecute violent crime across the country Additionally, the bill advances key conservative priorities including: Strengthening Second Amendment protections and prohibiting the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives’ (ATF’s) rules that target otherwise lawful gun ownership, such as the Biden-era rules on pistol braces Canceling progressive grant programs while maintaining strong support for state and local law enforcement Defunding Biden-era executive orders, rules, and memoranda – including ending wasteful DEI initiatives The Fiscal Year 2027 Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies appropriations bill now heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. ###

Strong Leads Bipartisan SAFEGUARDS Act to Enhance Airport Security

Position: Representatives Strong and Kennedy introduced the SAFEGUARDS Act to redirect the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee revenue toward aviation and airport security improvements, including modernized screening technology and baggage detection systems, rather than unrelated federal purposes.

WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Representative Dale Strong introduced the “Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act,” or SAFEGUARDS Act, alongside Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26), to ensure that revenue collected through the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee is invested into aviation and airport security, consistent with the fee’s original intent. The $5.60 fee, paid by every passenger on a one-way ticket, was first implemented to fund aviation security improvements and upgrades nationwide. However, since 2014, approximately $15 billion in fee revenue has been redirected to unrelated, non-security purposes. The SAFEGUARDS Act would ensure the fee is used to make dedicated investments to bolster aviation and airport security and prioritize resources to modernize screening technology, upgrade baggage detection systems, and improve checkpoint efficiency. The legislation comes as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) faces increasing passenger volumes and growing demands on the nation’s aviation security infrastructure ahead of several major international events expected to bring millions of visitors to the United States over the next few years. As Chairman of the Homeland Security Emergency Management and Technology Subcommittee and member of the Task Force on Enhancing Security for Special Events in the United States, Strong has helped lead congressional oversight of preparations for those events. "As we prepare to host millions of visitors for major international events and continue facing evolving threats to our homeland, we must ensure TSA has the resources necessary to secure our airports with modern screening technology and upgrades that keep passengers safe. The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures that the resources are available to do just that," said Representative Dale Strong (AL-05). The SAFEGUARDS Act is co-led by Congressman Tim Kennedy (NY-26) and co-sponsored by Homeland Security Committee Chairman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02), Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (MS-03), Gabe Evans (CO-08), and Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07). "The SAFEGUARDS Act is a necessary piece of legislation to provide increased funding that we rely on to keep our skies and cities safe. As the existing screening technology in our airports falls behind modern standards and best practices, we are going to start to see real strain on systems that are essential to passenger and crew safety. This legislation guarantees that the TSA has the resources it needs to protect travelers and keep our airports running smoothly," said Representative Tim Kennedy (NY-26). "As America prepares to welcome millions of international visitors for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250 celebrations, and the 2028 Olympics, we must modernize our transportation system to meet the security challenges of today. For the last decade, the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee has generated over $40 billion in revenue, but billions of dollars have been diverted to unrelated purposes instead of being used to fund the cutting-edge screening technology that is essential to provide safety and security to the traveling public. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, travelers should be able to trust that when they pay this fee, their hard-earned money will be used to ensure an attack like that never happens again. I am proud to join Representatives Strong, Kennedy, and other Committee members on this bipartisan legislation and look forward to continuing our collective efforts to modernize America’s transportation security infrastructure and enhance TSA’s ability to prepare for and respond to an ever-evolving threat landscape," said Homeland Committee Chairman Andrew Garbarino (NY-02) "The men and women of the TSA work every day to protect millions of travelers, and they deserve the resources necessary to protect the flying public. I am proud to co-sponsor the SAFEGUARDS Act, which stops TSA security fees from being used for other purposes and makes sure that money goes back into improving aviation security. This practical change will help fund important upgrades in screening, technology, and other key efforts to better protect our country. I will keep working to support our national security and keep travelers safe," said Subcommittee on Border Security and Enforcement Chairman Michael Guest (MS-03). "As air travel continues to grow, so do demands on America's aviation security systems. For years, funding meant for security has been redirected elsewhere, restricting airports big and small, from Denver to mountain towns, with outdated screening and surveillance equipment. I am proud to co-sponsor the SAFEGUARDS Act to restore safety for airline and airport employees and improve travelers’ experiences nationwide. By investing in modern screening technology, we will reduce delays and strengthen our ability to detect evolving threats," said Representative Gabe Evans (CO-08). "When passengers board a flight, they count on effective, modern, and efficient security systems. As we approach the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, it’s essential that our nation remains vigilant and continues to protect air travelers. The SAFEGUARDS Act will help to protect American aviation — ending the diversion of security funding and providing the screening resources that the American people deserve," said Rep. Ryan Mackenzie (PA-07) Specifically, the SAFEGUARDS Act would: Allocate $500 million in PSF revenue annually for checked bag explosive detection systems; and Designate $250 million annually for checkpoint technology improvements. The SAFEGUARDS Act is supported by the Huntsville International Airport, Airlines for America, American Airlines, U.S. Travel Association, Southwest Airlines, Airport Council International – North America, and American Association of Airport Executives. "We appreciate Congressman Dale Strong for his efforts to support and strengthen the transportation needs of our passengers and regional community. The SAFEGUARDS Act would ensure that passenger fees are returned to their intended purpose—investing in advanced technologies that enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel across the U.S. Maintaining a modern, secure aviation system is essential." – Butch Roberts, CEO, Port of Huntsville/Huntsville International Airport "Airlines for America strongly supports the SAFEGUARDS Act and thanks Reps. Strong, Kennedy, Garbarino, Guest, Mackenzie, and Evans for their bipartisan leadership on this legislation. Passengers have long paid the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee with the understanding that those dollars would go directly toward aviation security and keeping them safe. By reinvesting these funds in next-generation screening technologies and modernized checked baggage systems, this legislation will enhance security, reduce checkpoint congestion and improve the overall travel experience for millions of Americans. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250 and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games on the horizon, now is the time to make these smart, targeted investments so we're ready to welcome the world." – Airlines for America (A4A) "American Airlines strongly supports the SAFEGUARDS Act that finally ends the diversion of the 9/11 Security Fee paid by passengers and ensures those funds are dedicated to aviation security. We are grateful for the bipartisan leadership of Representative Strong, Representative Kennedy, and Chairman Garbarino as their efforts will help strengthen checkpoint technology, improve efficiency, and enhance the safety of the traveling public. American Airlines urges the House to pass the SAFEGUARDS Act," – American Airlines "The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures that all the funds raised from the passenger-paid 9/11 Passenger Security Fee are fully used by the TSA to ensure airports nationwide are equipped with the most advanced passenger and baggage screening technology to guarantee the flying public remains secure. Southwest strongly supports directing the revenue generated by the 9/11 Passenger Security Fee to invest in technologies that strengthen airport security across the country." – David Hunt, Vice President for Safety and Security, Southwest Airlines "Despite travelers paying the 9/11 Security Fee on every U.S. flight to improve aviation security, that funding continues to be diverted to pay for unrelated government spending — resulting in a tax on American travelers that has severely delayed critical security modernization. The SAFEGUARDS Act ensures more funding is rightfully invested in game-changing screening technology to enhance security, increase efficiency, and improve the travel experience at airports across the country. Without action, travelers won't be able to carry larger liquids through TSA checkpoints for another 20 years. U.S. Travel strongly supports the bill to modernize aviation security and finally give Americans the travel system they deserve." – Erik Hansen, Senior Vice President, Head of Government Relations, U.S. Travel Association "ACI-NA and its member airports remain committed to ensuring a safe, secure, and efficient aviation system for all users. We applaud Rep. Strong, Chair Garbarino, and Reps. Kennedy, Guest, Evans, and Mackenzie for introducing this important legislation to provide TSA with dedicated resources for next-generation screening technologies. As passenger volumes continue to rise and TSA’s procurement schedule continues to lag, the SAFEGUARDS Act will deliver a critical technology boost to help the agency more effectively and efficiently screen passengers and baggage." – Kevin M. Burke, President and CEO, Airports Council International–North America "AAAE thanks Representative Strong, Chairman Garbarino, and other House leaders for working to ensure that security fees paid by air travelers are used as intended to make the aviation system safer and more secure. By investing in better technology, the SAFEGUARDS Act will help improve security, efficiency, and reliability for passengers at airports across the country. We urge its swift passage." – Todd Hauptli, President and CEO, American Association of Airport Executives Similar legislation was introduced by Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) and marked up in the Senate Commerce Committee. ### Full text of the legislation can be found here.

House Appropriations Committee Advances Rural Water Improvement Funding for North Alabama

WASHINGTON — Congressman Dale Strong, a member of the Appropriations Committee, highlighted committee passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill, which includes two community project funding allocations for North Alabama. “This is an important first step toward delivering the resources our communities need to strengthen critical water infrastructure,” said Congressman Dale Strong. “North Alabama families deserve reliable, safe water systems, and I will keep working with my colleagues to push these projects across the finish line.” The funding, approved by the Appropriations Committee during Wednesday’s markup, includes a total of $5,542,200 for critical infrastructure projects in North Alabama. $4,542,200 for the City of Moulton to make water treatment facility improvements $1,000,000 for the Town of Eva to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant The Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill now heads to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. This community project funding is part of Congressman Strong’s ongoing effort to ensure North Alabama’s residents receive their fair share of federal investments. “I will never apologize for bringing your tax dollars back home to North Alabama. I am proud to fight for resources like this that allow our communities to make critical infrastructure improvements,” said Strong. BACKGROUND: The Fiscal Year 2027 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act is the fourth of twelve annual appropriations bills passed out of the Committee. The bill contains $26.3 billion; it funds the agencies and programs that protect our nation’s food and drug supply and supports America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities while maintaining fiscal discipline and accountability to the American people.

Strong Applauds House Passage of Farm Bill

WASHINGTON — Congressman Dale Strong issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026: Farmers and ranchers have been clear: we need a new farm bill. The Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 is grounded in the real needs of farm country and delivers the certainty and modern policy our producers deserve. I am proud that this bill will restore certainty and stability for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. For too long, producers in North Alabama have faced rising costs, volatile markets, and outdated policies that no longer reflect the realities of modern agriculture. This bill strengthens risk management tools for specialty crop producers, expands access to credit, and promotes precision agriculture that reflects how farming is actually done today — the kind of forward-looking, practical policy our farm families need to stay competitive. ###

ICYMI: Strong Highlights North Alabama’s Leadership in Space Exploration

Position: Congressman Strong advocates for sustained federal investment in NASA's proven space exploration systems, particularly the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft, and emphasizes the importance of maintaining the skilled workforce and contractor ecosystem supporting the Artemis missions and lunar exploration goals.

WASHINGTON — Congressman Dale Strong, Vice Chair of the Appropriations Commerce, Justice, and Science Subcommittee, participated in a hearing on Monday, examining the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) fiscal year 2027 budget request. The hearing featured testimony from NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, focusing on the agency’s plan to execute the upcoming Artemis missions, return Americans to the Moon, and ensure continued U.S. leadership in deep space exploration. “Just 17 days ago, the world watched as four astronauts returned to Earth, completing the first crewed deep-space mission in more than 50 years. Every American should be proud of this incredible accomplishment,” said Congressman Dale Strong. During the hearing, Congressman Strong highlighted the critical role of the Marshall Space Flight Center and North Alabama’s workforce in powering America’s space program. He stressed the importance of sustained investment in certified and proven systems like the Space Launch System (SLS) and the Orion spacecraft, as well as the need to sustain the skilled engineers, technicians, small businesses, and contractors who power NASA’s mission. “The road to the Golden Age of Space Exploration runs through the Rocket City. Since the first lunar mission, North Alabama has played a starring role – powering our nation’s space program and diligently working to make human spaceflight possible,” said Strong. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman agreed, acknowledging Huntsville’s impact on his own career, “I also want to say that the road that I took to be here today also went through Huntsville when I went to space camp, and I want to say, 12 or 13 years old. So, I have an incredible appreciation of space and the space and rocket center, but also the good work that's done at Marshall Space Flight Center.” Strong’s questions focused on ensuring NASA’s long-term exploration strategy aligns with the mission to return Americans to the Moon and sustain a continuous U.S. lunar presence. He raised concerns about proposed changes to the SLS, emphasizing that it is currently the only proven, human-rated rocket capable of delivering astronauts, cargo, and critical systems to deep space in a single launch. Strong also reiterated the need for a clear, executable plan that aligns NASA’s budget, workforce, and mission timeline with the President’s objective of returning Americans to the Moon and staying there. “Artemis’s mission success depends on strong execution, a stable workforce, and maintaining the schedule. Artemis I and II were successful thanks to the collaboration of small businesses, contractors, and civil servants who delivered on America’s national security and civil space priorities. Small businesses have played a key role, supporting the expertise of civil servants to deliver on NASA’s mission for over 50 years, and we must continue building those relationships and that ecosystem,” said Strong. In addition, Strong highlighted the importance of funding advanced propulsion technologies for the next phase of deep space exploration, including Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP), saying in part, “NASA has conducted over 100 tests on NTP-related systems, producing some of the most complete data on flight-like reactor systems in more than 50 years... NTP is proven to be faster and can lift more…” ### The full hearing can be watched here. Congressman Strong’s questions start at the one-hour ten-minute mark and the one-hour fifty-six-minute mark.

House Appropriations Committee Advances Space Command Headquarters Construction Funding

WASHINGTON — U.S. Space Command Headquarters at Redstone Arsenal is one step closer to its permanent home with the Appropriations Committee’s – which Congressman Strong serves as a member – passage of the Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies funding bill, which provides $565 million for the headquarters’ design and construction. “Establishing the Space Command headquarters at Redstone Arsenal is long overdue. This investment not only enhances our military strategy, but it also reinforces North Alabama’s critical role in our national defense,” said Congressman Dale Strong The funding, which passed the House Appropriations Committee during markup on Tuesday, includes $115 million for design and $450 million for construction of the facility. “This is a major step in the right direction to get shovels in the ground and deliver a permanent home for Space Command,” said Strong. “There is no better place than Redstone Arsenal to carry out this critical defense mission.” As global threats continue to evolve, space has become a critical frontier for national defense. Space Command plays a vital role in deterring aggression, protecting U.S. and allied interests, and ensuring the security of vital satellite and communication systems. The Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill now goes to the full U.S. House of Representatives for consideration. BACKGROUND: The Fiscal Year 2027 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Bill is the first of twelve annual appropriations bills passed by the Appropriations Committee. The bill includes critical investments in military infrastructure and fully funds U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, healthcare, and programs. ###

Strong Votes to Fund Department of Homeland Security, Pay All DHS Personnel

Position: Congressman Strong supports legislation to fund the Department of Homeland Security and pay all DHS personnel, arguing that full DHS funding is necessary to enforce immigration laws and secure the nation.

WASHINGTON – Congressman Dale Strong issued the following statement after House Republicans again advanced legislation to end the Democrats’ Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown and pay all DHS personnel: “All twelve Fiscal Year 2026 spending bills were negotiated with bipartisan support, yet Senate Democrats decided 43 days ago, at the eleventh hour, to hold DHS functions and personnel hostage in an attempt to advance their partisan agenda. “I applaud President Trump for taking executive action to pay TSA personnel, providing immediate relief from the Democrats’ shutdown for these frontline workers. The bill passed today by House Republicans will ensure that all DHS personnel and support staff are paid and can no longer be used as pawns in the Democrats’ partisan games. “At a time when threats to our homeland security are at an all-time high, and with record numbers of criminal illegal aliens in our country as a result of Biden’s open border policies, we cannot afford to leave any portion of DHS’ mission underfunded or under-resourced. “We must ensure that every security mission and employee is fully supported and paid, and that this administration has the tools to fully enforce our immigration laws and secure our nation. I am proud that the bill passed by the House today does just that. “I urge my Senate counterparts to pass this legislation without delay.” ###

Congressman Strong Highlights Need for Next Generation Weather Radar in North Alabama

WASHINGTON – During a National Weather Service Oversight hearing, Congressman Dale Strong, Vice Chair of the Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, pushed for answers on the National Weather Service’s plans to replace a decades-old weather radar system that serves as a lifeline for hazardous weather warnings across North Alabama and the Tennessee Valley. “For many years, the [Hytop] radar has helped forecasters track storms and provide the data needed for timely warnings in multiple states at the foot of the Cumberland plateau. Unfortunately, due to age and general wear and tear, the radar has at times gone offline for long periods, creating gaps in coverage when people need it most,” said Strong. “As the Radar Next program moves forward, we must ensure that the areas with critical regional coverage, like Hytop and offices with advanced research capabilities such as Huntsville, are prioritized for early investment and deployment.” The Hytop radar, located in Jackson County, provides critical storm-tracking coverage for a multi-state region. After more than 25 years in service, it has experienced repeated outages, sometimes during dangerous weather, raising concerns about gaps in life-saving warning capabilities. Strong also highlighted the essential role of the Weather Forecast Office in Huntsville, praising their dedication and the personal sacrifices required in high-stakes forecasting. “I want to thank the dedicated team at the Weather Forecast Office in my district in Huntsville, Alabama, for their hard work keeping our communities in north Alabama and southern Tennessee safe… They work long rotating shifts, nights, weekends, and holidays under enormous pressure. In many cases, forecasters issue warnings about storms that directly impact their communities, their neighbors, and their own families,” said Strong. Strong also emphasized Huntsville’s unique position as a national leader in weather research, collaboration, and real-world operations. “Huntsville weather forecast office is uniquely positioned, working closely with NASA. The University of Alabama in Huntsville is turning innovation into operational results in real time. They also utilize critical infrastructure in my district, such as the Hytop NEXRAD radar in Jackson County, Alabama.” ### The hearing video can be viewed HERE.

Strong Warns DHS Funding Lapse Threatens National Security, Praises Huntsville TSA Workforce Amid Strain

Position: Congressman Strong calls for immediate restoration of Department of Homeland Security funding, arguing that the funding lapse strains personnel and compromises national security readiness ahead of major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He supports House votes to fully fund DHS and criticizes Democrats for delaying the funding.

WASHINGTON— Congressman Dale Strong is calling for immediate action to restore Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding, urging Democrats to stop holding critical funding hostage and put politics aside. He warned that continued delays put unnecessary strain on the dedicated men and women who safeguard communities across the nation – including in North Alabama. During a Homeland Security Committee hearing that included witnesses from across DHS, Strong highlighted the dedication of frontline personnel and their vital role in keeping communities safe, expressing particular gratitude to Transportation Security Administration officers at the Huntsville International Airport who continue to serve despite the financial strain of working without pay. “I am especially grateful to the TSA workforce at Huntsville International Airport, where operations are continuing, albeit at a slower pace, despite the challenges and financial strain caused by the shutdown. However, not every small airport has the same level of community support,” said Dale Strong. Strong pointed out that the House will vote for this third time this week to fully fund DHS, and he, alongside his Republican colleagues, plans to vote in support to provide certainty and stability for the department and its personnel. He also pointed to the high-stakes security demands facing DHS, including the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, which is expected to attract massive crowds and millions of visitors, putting a significant strain on federal resources. “We are less than 100 days away from hosting the world’s largest sporting tournament, featuring 104 matches across 16 cities - equivalent to three Super Bowls a day – for five weeks. And democrats continue to put politics over the security of our nation,” said Strong. With DHS operating under a prolonged funding lapse, the department's ability to plan and coordinate security for large-scale operations is constrained. Timely funding is essential to maintain readiness and protect communities during major international events and celebrations, including the FIFA World Cup, America 250, and the Olympics. ###

Strong Pushes Counter-Drone Readiness for Major Events

WASHINGTON — This week, Representative Dale Strong, a member of the Committee on Homeland Security, emphasized the need for robust counter-UAS coordination across all levels of government during the Committee’s hearing entitled “Before the Whistle: Assessing Information Sharing and Security Collaboration Ahead of Major Events.” The hearing assessed coordination and preparation efforts between public and private sector partners ahead of the United States unprecedented run of hosting major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup, America 250 celebrations, and the 2028 Summer Olympics. As Chairman of the Subcommittee on Emergency Management and Technology, Strong stressed the need for comprehensive planning, interagency coordination, and real-time information sharing to ensure the safety of millions of Americans and international visitors. “As we prepare to host the FIFA World Cup and other major international events, we face an unprecedented mix of security challenges,” said Representative Strong. “Our ability to protect fans, athletes, and host communities will depend on how well we prepare, train, share information, and respond under pressure.” In the hearing, Strong highlighted the growing threat posed by rogue and malicious unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, and stressed the need for robust counter-UAS coordination across all levels of government. He pointed to specialized training conducted at the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Counter-UAS Training Center located at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama. “The threat posed by rogue unmanned aircraft systems to stadiums and fan venues may represent one of the greatest security challenges we face in hosting these large-scale events,” said Strong. “I’m proud to represent Redstone Arsenal, where the FBI has established America’s premier hub for training law enforcement and security professionals to deter and counter drone threats.” Drawing on more than 40 years of experience as a first responder, Strong underscored the importance of emergency response readiness and seamless coordination among public safety agencies, noting the critical role of fire and emergency medical services in securing large-scale events. ###