WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, R-NY, has reintroduced the Drones for First Responders Act, an initiative designed to bolster the U.S. drone industry, reduce reliance on foreign adversaries and enhance national security.
Stefanik joined China Select Chairman John Moolenaar, R-MI and Congressmen Darin LaHood, R-IL and Rob Wittman R-VA in reintroducing this critical legislation.
The DFR Act aims to address U.S. dependency on Chinese-controlled drones, which currently make up 90% of the drones used by American first responders. This legislation seeks to implement new tariffs on Chinese-controlled drones and use the revenue to fund a new grant program to allow first responders, critical infrastructure providers and farmers to purchase drones manufactured by the U.S. and its allies.
“My legislation will establish a revenue neutral grant program to help Americans purchase drones securely made by the U.S. and our allies,” Stefanik said. “I’m proud to reintroduce the Drones for First Responders Act, which will increase the competitiveness of U.S. drone manufacturers and provide first responders with the secure, high-quality drones they need to protect and serve our communities in Upstate New York, the North Country, and across our nation.”
Key Provisions of the Drones for First Responders Act include:
– tariffs on Chinese Drones. The bill imposes new incrementally increasing tariffs on PRC drones, starting at 30% and increasing by 5% annually to counter China’s unfair trade practices and level the playing field for U.S. drone manufacturers.
– grant program. The bill establishes a revenue-neutral grant program that will help first responders, critical infrastructure providers, and farmers purchase drones manufactured and assembled in the U.S. or allied countries.
– strengthened rule of origin: By 2030, drones imported into the U.S. must meet strengthened rules of origin, ensuring that critical components are not sourced from China.
The People’s Republic of China has made significant inroads into the global drone market using subsidies and favorable regulations to undercut U.S. drone manufacturers. PRC-based companies, such as DJI, have come under scrutiny from U.S. government agencies. These include the U.S. Department of Defense, which has twice certified that DJI drones are advancing China’s military capabilities.
Moreover, both a 2017 Homeland Security Intelligence Bulletin and a 2024 CISA industry alert have highlighted the significant risks that Chinese-made drones pose to U.S. critical infrastructure and national security.
Stefanik originally introduced this legislation in May 2024.
