Moolenaar, Krishnamoorthi: Commerce's Move to Restrict PRC Drones Enhances National Security

WASHINGTON DC — On January 2, the Department of Commerce issued a new rulemaking period to consider banning or imposing restrictions on drones made in China. The announcement follows the Select Committee's bipartisan inquiry in June, which called on the Commerce Department to utilize its authorities to protect U.S. national security from the surveillance threat posed these foreign adversary drones.

Following the announcement, 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:

“Drones made in the People’s Republic of China, including those made by DJI, pose acute risks to our national security and the privacy of all Americans. Recent news reports have highlighted the increasing use of drones near sensitive military installations, raising very real concerns about espionage and national security. Last June, the Select Committee requested that Commerce utilize its authorities over information and communications technology and services (ICTS) to restrict PRC drones in the United States. Yesterday, Commerce did exactly that, and our nation’s security is better off for it. Congress and the Biden Administration have also already acknowledged the severity of the drone threat by enacting the Countering CCP Drones Act in this year’s NDAA. Swift action on both fronts, including this important ICTS action, will not only enhance our national security but also send a clear message that the United States remains vigilant in protecting its skies from the CCP.”

Read more about the development in Reuters HERE.