Legislation aims to limit Chinese drone manufacturers’ access to U.S. infrastructure
On September 9, 2024, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Countering CCP Drones Act, a bipartisan bill introduced by Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY) designed to address concerns about the presence of Chinese drones, specifically those from Da-Jiang Innovations (DJI), in U.S. infrastructure. The legislation seeks to add DJI to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Covered List. The legislation could effectively prohibit new models of DJI drones from operating on U.S. communications networks.
National Security Concerns
The Countering CCP Drones Act is driven by national security concerns raised by multiple U.S. government agencies regarding DJI’s ties to the Chinese government. Since 2017, U.S. intelligence agencies have flagged DJI for allegedly sharing sensitive data with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), charges that the company denies. The Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) have all warned about potential risks posed by Chinese-made drones. Chairman John Moolenaar of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party stated, “DJI poses a real national security risk to the U.S. given its deep partnership with the Chinese military, its expressed allegiance to the Chinese Communist Party, and its surveillance technology operating across U.S. soil.”
In addition, some lawmakers fear that geopolitical conflicts or other events could disrupt the supply chain, leaving the US without access to critical drone technology. Congresswoman Stefanik emphasized the importance of the bill, saying, “It is strategically irresponsible to allow Communist China to be our drone factory.” She added that the passage of the legislation was a crucial step toward ending DJI’s dominance in the U.S. market and protecting the nation’s skies.
Concerns from the Drone Industry
While the Countering CCP Drones Act is intended to address security risks, some drone service providers and first responders worry that limiting access to affordable DJI drones could slow the growth of the U.S. drone industry. DJI drones, which have been widely used due to their cost-effectiveness and technological capabilities, are relied upon by many businesses in the drone ecosystem: including those in agriculture, construction, and public safety. Restricting access to DJI products could increase the cost of adopting drone technology for small businesses and public agencies.
The Senate Version of the Countering CCP Drones Act
In response to these concerns, Senator Mark Warner (D-VA), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, co-introduced a related bill, the Countering CCP Drones and Supporting Drones for Law Enforcement Act on July 30, 2024. This bill, which was introduced alongside Senator Rick Scott (R-FL), not only aims to blacklist DJI but also includes provisions to support American-made drones. Warner emphasized the balance between security and industry support, stating, “Drones have tremendous potential to support agriculture, make our communities safer, and grow our economy. Yet without further intervention, the drone industry could be susceptible to massive intervention from the Communist Party of China.”
Support for First Responders
Recognizing the potential impact on first responders who rely on DJI drones for critical operations, Senator Warner and Senator Scott’s bill proposes a short-term grant program. The Department of Transportation would oversee this program, offering financial support to help public safety agencies replace existing Chinese drones with U.S.-made alternatives. Senator Scott highlighted the importance of security in public safety operations, saying, “Drones made in Communist China pose a significant threat to our freedoms and security and cannot be allowed to continue operating in American skies.”
Next Steps for the Legislation
With the Countering CCP Drones Act passing in the House, the next step is for the Senate to review and potentially include the legislation in its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025. Senators Warner and Scott have already filed their version of the bill as an amendment to the NDAA. If the Senate passes the bill, it will go to the President’s desk for final approval.
For more information, see the full text of H.R. 2864 on the Congressional website.
While the Countering CCP Drones Act addresses legitimate national security concerns, the legislation’s potential impact on the drone industry cannot be ignored. As the Senate reviews the bill, industry stakeholders will be watching closely. Balancing security measures with the need for affordable, accessible drone technology will be critical as the U.S. navigates its path toward building a secure and competitive domestic drone industry.
Read more:
- DJI Publishes Security White Paper
- What is the Countering CCP Drones Act, and What Does it Mean for DJI Drones?
- Call for Unity and Legislative Progress at Commercial UAV Expo Keynote
- Increased Tariffs on Chinese Drones and the “Drones for First Responders Act” Perspective from Skyfire Consulting
Miriam McNabb is the Editor-in-Chief of DRONELIFE and CEO of JobForDrones, a professional drone services marketplace, and a fascinated observer of the emerging drone industry and the regulatory environment for drones. Miriam has penned over 3,000 articles focused on the commercial drone space and is an international speaker and recognized figure in the industry. Miriam has a degree from the University of Chicago and over 20 years of experience in high tech sales and marketing for new technologies.
For drone industry consulting or writing, Email Miriam.
TWITTER:@spaldingbarker
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This is nothing more than “FEAR Mongering” DJI is the king of the sandbox and the dumb americans can’t play. Please direct your attention to the real issues. Not the made up ones.
I only wish that the government could share more context around their justification for this. Yes yes I see broad statements being made, but feel in the dark. This is not good given what we already know about congress, politics, and making decisions. I agree that this 2nd ammendment related, as drones can be used by the American public to keep an eye on things, but more than likely this is being fueled in part by the personal gain of some nuts in congress.
2nd amendment? That’s a stretch 😂
As to DJI the proof is there and most folks in the industry know it…they just don’t want to pay more for US products.
Rex, yes, 2nd ammendment, so that citizens can “freely” monitor the government, not the other way around.
Again, I hear broad statements, But see no verifiable information. What are they hiding? It’s not the folks in industry pushing this legislation, it’s congress. You know, elected legislators that as a group are losing the confidence of the American people. Shall we see the data.
You realize the second amendment is the right to bear arms, correct? This has nothing to do with that.
Miriam, your article sucks and is totally biased. The only reason this proposed ban of DJI products was written by the dumb congresswoman from New York Elsie Stefanik is the failure of American drones to be technically competitive with DJI on a level playing field.
Being the Patriot I am, I’ll be the first to switch to American made when we have a product of the same quality of the DJI drones.
If Stefanik was serious about National Security, maybe she should work on stopping spy balloons from floating across the country and full size spy drones from mapping our military bases, but she wouldn’t get paid extra for that.
This seems to be very interesting
This is pure jealousy of the fact the USA gave away ALL manufacturing to China and have no will to pay their own workers to do the same job at a livable wage. The united States is the biggest hypocrite on this planet.
“While the Countering CCP Drones Act addresses legitimate national security concerns,”
Name one. The key word is “legitimate’. There has not been a single legit security claim made in this farce at all.
Good article,vital issue,will have lasting effect on industry,business & trade,some acceptable to all solution must be arrived at ,as soon as possible.
Thanks.
There is no US manufacturer Competitior in the drone industry, other than Skydio, who has recently ceased production, and sale of Consumer Drones, only building and selling to Law Enforcement, 1st responders, and Comercial customers..
Could this just simply be protection of future US companies ( if so follow the money, (Stefanic), or does this go hand in hand with the Socialist/Marxist Democratic Party, zealous desires to obliterate the 2nd Ammendment, by banning, and confiscating personnel Firearms ?
With the proliferation of the use of “Drones, in the Defence of Ukraine, it stands to reason the US Government would want to get a controlling hand on the drone industry here .
H.R. 2864
SPONSOR
Stefanik, Elise M. [R-NY-21]
COSPONSORS
Mike Gallagher, R-WI 8th
Cory Mills, R-FL 7th
Michael “Mike” Guest, R-MS 3rd
John Moolenaar, R-MI 2nd
Brandon Williams, R-NY 22nd
Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-IL 8th
Lauren Boebert, R-CO 3rd
John W. Rose, R-TN 6th
Tom Cole, R-OK 4th
Brian Mast, R-FL 21st
Mike Lawler, R-NY 17th
Ashley Hinson, R-IA 2nd
Clay Higgins, R-LA 3rd
Brett Guthrie, R-KY 2nd
Mark Alford, R-MO 4th
Only one from your so called of your so called Socialist/Marxist Democratic Party. Please do your homework.
If the US built a drone near to a DJI drone I would buy. They are no where near the technology and price. No wonder DJI has 95% of the drone market.
I feel like you are not telling the entire story. If you are a person from the dreone community why no mention of Elise Stefaniks ties to Skydio admin? Why no question about the amendment originally in the NDAA that read “the military has 180 days to fully disassemble a DJI drone and determine if it is a threat”? Why are you not asking the question about why there is a federal ban rin law now, but DJI drones owned by federally funded non military entities (first responders for example, are allowed to continue to fly until they need to be repaired/replaced. Why dont you bring up the fact that ZERO proof about a threats to security has been proven, but the politicians have admitted that this about “evening the playing field” for American drone companies (SKYDIO). I hope that you will update this to add these important facts to your reporting.
Jason, Of course not, Miriam is from Chicago and probably a Democrat. Nuff said.
This was passed by 14 GOP co-cponsors and was sponsored by a GOP representative..
Only 1 dem signed on to cosponsor.