Alliance Facilitates Congressional Reps’ Tour of Rome Lab, NYUAS Test Site

On 30 August 2021, Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)  hosted Ranking Member of the House Homeland Security Committee Congressman John Katko (NY-24) for a tour of the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), also known as Rome Lab. The tour included an in depth look at the cutting-edge research being conducted at Rome Lab, including an overview of the advanced research and development in quantum as well as in communications and unmanned systems. Earlier in August, Rome Lab was designated as the Quantum Information Science Research Center for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, an exciting new development for our region.

“Rome Lab is a world class hub of high-tech research and development. The Lab’s work directly benefits our national security, which is why I hosted the Republican leader of the House Homeland Security Committee, Congressman John Katko, today,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “Every dollar we invest in Rome’s research capabilities improves our defenses and makes our nation more secure. It also continues to drive growth and innovation right here in Central New York.”

“In my position as the Ranking Member of the House Committee on Homeland Security, I know first-hand the breadth of threats aimed at the United States. The work and research being done by Rome Labs helps protect Americans from threats every day, while also playing a critical role in advancing Central New York as a hub for developing cutting edge technologies. I am proud to join Rep. Tenney in visiting Rome Labs today, and discussing how we in Congress can enhance the groundbreaking work being done here,” said Congressman John Katko.

In addition to Rome Lab, the lawmakers also toured Innovare Advancement Center and the NY UAS Test Site, which is one of only seven in the country.

“The Air Force Research Laboratory Information Directorate and the NY Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) Test Site are critical federal research assets that enable our warfighter and our country. They drive innovation and public-private collaboration as demonstrated by the creation of Innovare Advancement Center, SkyDome and the UAS corridor between Rome and Syracuse. Our high tech region is growing and thriving because of the continued support we receive from Congressman Tenney and Congressman Katko,” stated Mary Carol Chruscicki, CNY Defense Alliance, Executive Director. “It was an honor to support their visit today and showcase the next generation information technologies in quantum, communications, artificial intelligence and unmanned aerial systems that are jump started by federal investments, while creating thousands of local high-tech jobs and funding opportunities for a diverse business ecosystem.”

For more info checkout:

https://tenney.house.gov/media/press-releases/congresswoman-claudia-tenney-hosts-congressman-john-katko-tour-highlighting

https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/news/2021/08/30/researchers-in-rome-advancing-america-s-defense

https://www.waer.org/news/2021-08-30/congressmembers-tenney-katko-tour-griffiss-high-tech-facilities-in-rome-and-discuss-their-role-in-combatting-threats