HR 11: Urge Ohio expansion of manufacturing of domestic drones

As Introduced

136th General Assembly Regular Session 2025-2026

H. R. No. 11

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 1
domestic drones to ensure competitiveness and national 2
security against the increased presence of Chinese- 3
manufactured drones. 4

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

WHEREAS, Drones are increasingly being utilized in both 5
commercial and military sectors for various applications such as 6
surveillance, agriculture, transportation, and defense; and 7
WHEREAS, The global drone market currently is dominated by 8
foreign manufacturers, particularly those based in China, 9
raising concerns over national security, economic sovereignty, 10
and technological independence; and 11
WHEREAS, The United States' reliance on foreign-made 12
drones, particularly those originating from China, has raised 13
alarms regarding data privacy, cybersecurity, and potential 14
foreign influence on critical infrastructure; and 15
WHEREAS, The State of Ohio has a long history of fostering 16
innovation, technological development, and manufacturing 17
leadership in industries ranging from aerospace to advanced 18
technologies; and 19
WHEREAS, Ohio is home to numerous research institutions, 20

H. R. No. 11 Page 2 As Introduced

manufacturing facilities, and a skilled workforce capable of 21
supporting the expansion of drone production; and 22
WHEREAS, The growth of Ohio's domestic drone manufacturing 23
industry could serve as a catalyst for economic development, job 24
creation, and the strengthening of national defense 25
capabilities, while reducing dependence on foreign-made 26
technologies; and 27
WHEREAS, The State of Ohio could benefit from targeted 28
investments in research, development, and production of next 29
generation drone technologies, particularly in areas of 30
security, surveillance, and defense applications; and 31
WHEREAS, Strengthening Ohio's position in the global drone 32
market will ensure that American technological standards, 33
privacy regulations, and cybersecurity protocols are prioritized 34
over foreign standards that may undermine American interests; 35
now therefore be it 36
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the House of 37
Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of the State of 38
Ohio, in adopting this resolution, urge the State of Ohio to 39
actively promote and incentivize the expansion of domestic drone 40
manufacturing within its borders, with a particular focus on 41
fostering technological innovation, cybersecurity, and national 42
security; and be it further 43
RESOLVED, That we urge the State of Ohio to work closely 44
with federal agencies, local governments, and private industry 45
to create a comprehensive strategy for scaling drone production, 46
focusing on both commercial and defense sectors, and providing 47
incentives for companies that invest in research and development 48
(R&D) within Ohio; and be it further 49
RESOLVED, That we urge the State of Ohio to invest in the 50
workforce development needed to support the growing drone 51

H. R. No. 11 As Introduced

manufacturing sector, including specialized training programs in 52
fields such as aerospace engineering, cybersecurity, robotics, 53
and artificial intelligence, ensuring that Ohio's workforce is 54
equipped to lead in this emerging industry; and be it further 55
RESOLVED, That we urge the State of Ohio to pursue 56
partnerships with national defense organizations, including the 57
U.S. Department of Defense, to explore opportunities for Ohio- 58
based drone manufacturers to contribute to national security and 59
defense initiatives, further ensuring that Ohio remains a key 60
player in the national security ecosystem; and be it further 61
RESOLVED, That we urge the State of Ohio to explore and 62
advocate for the creation of a state-level task force to 63
evaluate the growing security risks associated with foreign- 64
manufactured drones, and to recommend strategies for mitigating 65
those risks by promoting the adoption of domestically produced 66
alternatives; and be it further 67
RESOLVED, That we urge the State of Ohio to consider 68
appropriate tax incentives, grants, and other forms of support 69
for businesses that prioritize the development and production of 70
domestically designed and manufactured drones, particularly 71
those with a focus on security, surveillance, and defense 72
technologies; and be it further 73
RESOLVED, That we urge the State of Ohio to commit to 74
working with academic institutions and private industry to 75
establish research hubs dedicated to drone technology 76
innovation, aiming to position Ohio as a national leader in next 77
generation drone systems and applications; and be it further 78
RESOLVED, That we, the members of the House of 79
Representatives of the 136th General Assembly of the State of 80
Ohio, in adopting this resolution, call on the Governor, the 81
Department of Development, and other relevant state agencies to 82
prioritize the expansion of Ohio's drone manufacturing 83

H. R. No. 11 As Introduced

capabilities as part of the state's economic development and 84
national security strategies; and be it further 85
RESOLVED, That the Clerk of the House of Representatives 86
transmit duly authenticated copies of this resolution to the 87
President of the United States, the Governor of Ohio, the 88
Director of Development, the Speaker and Clerk of the United 89
States House of Representatives, the President Pro Tempore and 90
Secretary of the United States Senate, the members of the Ohio 91
Congressional Delegation, and the news media of Ohio. 92