Peters to Serve as Ranking Member on Emerging Threats and Capabilities Subcommittee

The following press release was issued by Senator Peter’s office:

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, today announced that he will serve as Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities. The committee is responsible for policies and programs related to technology-based research and development, special operations, intelligence, counter-terrorism, and homeland security. This new position comes as groundbreaking research on autonomous vehicles takes place in Michigan and Michigan manufacturers diversify their businesses to include defense and aerospace manufacturing.

“As our country faces evolving national security threats, it is vital that our military has the resources and tools needed to complete their mission safely and effectively on an ever-changing battlefield,” said Senator Peters, a former Lt. Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserve. “New technologies will transform how our military operates and save warfighters’ lives. Michigan is already home to research and development on artificial intelligence and autonomous technologies, and I look forward to continue finding ways these cutting-edge innovations can be used to expand our capabilities.”

The Subcommittee on Emerging Threats and Capabilities oversees U.S. Special Operations Command, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) among others. DARPA works closely with institutions of higher education in Michigan to boost cybersecurity and test next-generation software. The committee also has administrative jurisdiction over facilities like the U.S. Army Tank Automotive Research Development and Engineering Center (TARDEC) based at the U.S. Army Detroit Arsenal in Warren, which is host to the Next Generation Combat Vehicle Cross Functional Team (NGCV CFT). The CFT will work with nearby manufacturers to develop new technologies and prototypes for the NGCV.

In addition to this subcommittee, Peters will continue serving on the Subcommittee on Airland, which oversees both the U.S. Army and Air Force, the National Guard and military reserves. Michigan has a significant National Guard footprint, with over 16,900 servicemembers and 9,100 civilian Department of Defense employees.

In the U.S. Senate, one of Peters’ top priorities is ensuring our nation is secure from threats. Peters serves as Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, where he is working to secure our Northern and Southern borders, promote safety and security in our communities, and combat emerging threats like cyber-attacks and bioterrorism.