House bill would add tariffs, limit Chinese drone use

WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Elise Stefanik has reintroduced the Drones for First Responders (DFR) Act, a bill designed to reduce U.S. reliance on Chinese-made drones.

Joined by House colleagues including China Select Committee Chair John Moolenaar (R-MI), Congressman Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Congressman Rob Wittman (R-VA), Stefanik announced the renewed legislation on June 4, citing growing concerns over the widespread use of drones produced by companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party.

Currently, about 90% of drones used by U.S. first responders are manufactured in China, which U.S. officials have warned may pose significant surveillance risks. Both the Department of Defense and cybersecurity agencies have issued warnings about the national…