On Wednesday, February 25, the bipartisan Congressional UXO/Demining Caucus hosted a staff briefing on innovations in demining technology. The briefing focused on the U.S. Army's Strategic Low Intensity Conflict Demining Program (formerly known as the Humanitarian Demining Research and Development Program), and how it supports U.S. military needs and humanitarian demining goals.
The event opened with remarks from Representative Chrissy Houlahan, Co-Chair of the UXO/Demining Caucus, who highlighted the critical role humanitarian demining plays in U.S. national interests, from helping our military and supporting American businesses, to enabling allies overseas to have stronger economic security.
Panelists delved into how applications of advanced technology have supported efforts towards recovery in Ukraine, and how strategic partnerships enable innovative solutions for the global threat of the explosive remnants of war.
Representative Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, illustrated the lifesaving work of humanitarian demining, calling on participants to tell him "where [he] can help" as an "enormous advocate" for demining work.
The full list of speakers who participated:
- Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, UXO/Demining Caucus Co-Chair
- Rep. Brian Mast, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee
- Rep. Jimmy Panetta, UXO/Demining Caucus member
- Sean Burke, Program Manager, Strategic Low Intensity Conflict Demining Program, U.S. Army
- Major General (Retd.) James Cowan, CEO, The HALO Trust
- Shari Bryan, Executive Director, Mines Advisory Group US
Watch the full speaking program below.
