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.