FOR PLANNING PURPOSES                  FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:

April 26, 2010                                            Laura Keiter/Betsy Arnold (Tierney): (202) 225-8020

***Media Advisory***

NATIONAL SECURITY SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING

“Rise of the Drones II: Examining the Legality of Unmanned Targeting”

             WASHINGTON, DC — On Wednesday, the Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Affairs will continue its examination of the increased use of unmanned technology, looking specifically at the legal implications of the expanded employment of unmanned weapons systems to target enemy combatants. The Subcommittee will receive testimony about the requirements and application of both international and domestic laws under various combat circumstances, the consequences of using civilians or military personnel to operate unmanned weapons, and the considerations involved with targeting American citizens. The hearing will feature a single panel of legal experts that will lay the groundwork for Member questions for the State Department and Department of Defense at a future date.

             This hearing will expand upon testimony received during the Subcommittee’s first hearing on this topic on March 23, 2010 entitled, “Rise of the Drones: Unmanned Systems and the Future of War.” More information regarding the previous hearing is located here.

WITNESS LIST:

This hearing will feature a single witness panel including:

• Mr. Kenneth Anderson, Professor, Washington College of Law, American University;
  
• Ms. Mary Ellen O'Connell, Professor, University of Notre Dame Law School;
  
• Mr. David Glazier, Professor, Loyola Law School Los Angeles; and
  
• Mr. William Banks, Professor, Syracuse University College of Law.

WHERE: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building

WHEN: 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 28, 2010