Urge Ohio expansion of manufacturing of domestic drones

As Introduced

136th
General Assembly

Regular
Session
H. R. No. 11

2025-2026

Representative
Mathews, T.

A
R E S O L U T I O N

To
urge the State of Ohio to expand the manufacturing of domestic drones
to ensure competitiveness and national security against the increased
presence of Chinese-manufactured drones.

BE
IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF OHIO:

WHEREAS,
Drones are increasingly being utilized in both commercial and
military sectors for various applications such as
surveillance,
agriculture, transportation, and defense; and

WHEREAS,
The global drone market currently is dominated by foreign
manufacturers, particularly those based in China, raising concerns
over national security, economic sovereignty, and technological
independence; and

WHEREAS,
The United States' reliance on foreign-made drones, particularly
those originating from China, has raised alarms regarding data
privacy, cybersecurity, and potential foreign influence on critical
infrastructure; and

WHEREAS,
The State of Ohio has a long history of fostering innovation,
technological development, and manufacturing leadership in industries
ranging from aerospace to advanced technologies; and

WHEREAS,
Ohio is home to numerous research institutions, manufacturing
facilities, and a skilled workforce capable of supporting the
expansion of drone production; and

WHEREAS,
The growth of Ohio's domestic drone manufacturing industry could
serve as a catalyst for economic development, job creation, and the
strengthening of national defense capabilities, while reducing
dependence on foreign-made technologies; and

WHEREAS,
The State of Ohio could benefit from targeted investments in
research, development, and production of next generation drone
technologies, particularly in areas of security, surveillance, and
defense applications; and

WHEREAS,
Strengthening Ohio's position in the global drone market will ensure
that American technological standards, privacy regulations, and
cybersecurity protocols are prioritized over foreign standards that
may undermine American interests; now therefore be it

RESOLVED,
That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 136th
General Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this resolution,
urge the State of Ohio to actively promote and incentivize the
expansion of domestic drone manufacturing
within
its borders, with a particular focus on fostering technological
innovation, cybersecurity, and national security; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That we urge the State of Ohio to work closely with federal agencies,
local governments, and private industry to create a comprehensive
strategy for scaling drone production, focusing on both commercial
and defense sectors, and providing incentives for companies that
invest in research and development (R&D) within Ohio; and be it
further

RESOLVED,
That we urge the State of Ohio to invest in the workforce development
needed to support the growing drone manufacturing sector, including
specialized training programs in fields such as aerospace
engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, and artificial intelligence,
ensuring that Ohio's workforce is equipped to lead in this emerging
industry; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That we urge the State of Ohio to pursue partnerships with national
defense organizations, including the U.S. Department of Defense, to
explore opportunities for Ohio-based drone manufacturers to
contribute to national security and defense initiatives, further
ensuring that Ohio remains a key player in the national security
ecosystem; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That we urge the State of Ohio to explore and advocate for the
creation of a state-level task force to evaluate the growing security
risks associated with foreign-manufactured drones, and to recommend
strategies for mitigating those risks by promoting the adoption of
domestically produced alternatives; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That we urge the State of Ohio to consider appropriate tax
incentives, grants, and other forms of support for businesses that
prioritize the development and production of domestically designed
and manufactured drones, particularly those with a focus on security,
surveillance, and defense technologies; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That we urge the State of Ohio to commit to working with academic
institutions and private industry to establish research hubs
dedicated to drone technology innovation, aiming to position Ohio as
a national leader in next generation drone systems and applications;
and be it further

RESOLVED,
That we, the members of the House of Representatives of the 136th
General Assembly of the State of Ohio, in adopting this resolution,
call on the Governor, the Department of Development, and other
relevant state agencies to prioritize the expansion of Ohio's drone
manufacturing capabilities as part of the state's economic
development and national security strategies; and be it further

RESOLVED,
That the Clerk of the House of Representatives transmit duly
authenticated copies of this resolution to the President of the
United States, the Governor of Ohio, the Director of Development, the
Speaker and Clerk of the United States House of Representatives, the
President Pro Tempore and Secretary of the United States Senate, the
members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation, and the news media of
Ohio.