WASHINGTON, DC - In an effort to help U.S. Special Operations Forces hunt down and root out terrorists, the U.S. Senate today unanimously approved Jack Reeds amendment to provide an additional $65.4 million for the procurement of Predators, small remotely piloted aircraft that help bring the battlefront to the military. These unmanned aerial vehicle (UAVs) are used for armed reconnaissance, airborne surveillance, and target acquisition. Predators have become a critical asset in the war on terrorism. Special Operations Forces on the frontlines of the war on terrorism rely on Predator surveillance as part of their work to capture and kill terrorists that are targeting our troops and the governments of Iraq and Afghanistan. Yet, right now they depend upon Air Force assets which are already in high demand for Predator support. I am pleased the Senate passed my amendment. This initiative will give our Special Operations Forces the tools to effectively fight and destroy terrorists wherever they may be.Through the use of cameras and other sensors, the Predator serves as an unblinking eye, monitoring -- in real-time -- buildings and people. Because it is unmanned it is ideal for use in places that are inaccessible to the U.S. military such as areas where the airspace is unsecure, the terrain is unpassable, or the environment is contaminated by chemical or biological weapons. Earlier this year, Vice Admiral Eric Olson, Deputy Commander of the Special Operations Command (SOCOM) testified before the Armed Services Committee that the command did not have sufficient surveillance platforms. The Appropriations Committee initially took steps to ensure the squadron would be fully operational with 24 UAVs in 2010. However, it reversed course just a few months later, when it scaled back the funding for the UAV procurement for SOCOM. The amendment Senator Reed offered today, along with Senator Evan Bayh (D-IN), will put the acceleration back on track by adding $65.4 million for six UAVs and associated equipment.Our Special Operations Forces in the field have told us that their number one need is for Predator coverage. We need to increase the pressure on al Qaeda operatives in Iraq and Afghanistan as well as other terrorists attacking U.S. and Coalition troops. Each day, these terrorists are threatening the success of our operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the safety of our personnel. If we really want to carry the fight to the terrorists, if we really want to individually and collectively go after and take out these terrorists, the Predators, according to our Special Operations Forces, is a key ingredient in this effort, concluded Reed.