East Michigan News

On January 2, the Department of Commerce announced a new rulemaking period to consider restrictions or a ban on drones manufactured in China. This move follows a bipartisan inquiry by the Select Committee in June, which urged the Commerce Department to use its powers to safeguard U.S. national security from potential surveillance threats posed by these foreign-made drones.

Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party issued a joint statement regarding this development. They expressed concerns about "drones made in the People’s Republic of China, including those made by DJI," stating that they "pose acute risks to our national security and the privacy of all Americans." The statement highlighted recent reports of increased drone activity near sensitive military sites, raising fears about espionage and national security.

The Select Committee had previously requested that Commerce utilize its authority over information and communications technology and services (ICTS) to limit PRC drones within the United States. According to Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi, "Commerce did exactly that" with this new action, improving national security. They also noted that Congress and the Biden Administration have recognized the threat posed by these drones through measures like enacting the Countering CCP Drones Act as part of this year's National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

The statement concluded with an emphasis on swift actions taken both legislatively and administratively, asserting that these efforts will "enhance our national security" while signaling U.S. vigilance in protecting its airspace from potential threats posed by China's Communist Party.