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Congress Votes on Ban of DJI Drones in the U.S.

Published

5 months ago

June 17, 2024

Hal Machina

In a recent development, the United States House of Representatives has passed a ban on the future sale of DJI drones in the U.S., marking a significant step towards the implementation of the “Countering CCP Drones Act.” This act, part of the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (FY25 NDAA), aims to prohibit the sale of DJI drones in the U.S. if passed in the Senate.

The decision to ban DJI drones comes amidst growing concerns about national security risks and potential Chinese government involvement due to DJI’s Chinese origins. With over 70% market share worldwide, DJI’s dominance in the drone industry has raised alarms among U.S. lawmakers, especially given the ownership of a portion of DJI stock by Chinese state-owned businesses.

Elise Stefanik, the Republican representative from New York sponsoring the legislation, emphasized the need to remove drones made by Communist China from America, citing national security as a top priority. Despite concerns raised by the U.S. military and law enforcement agencies regarding the ban, the bill has garnered support in Congress.

While the ban would not impact the use of already purchased DJI drones, it would prevent the sale of new DJI products in the U.S., potentially affecting the availability of popular and high-end drones in the market. The fate of the bill now rests on the Senate’s decision, where it will be reviewed and potentially passed into law.

For those who oppose the ban, it is recommended to reach out to their U.S. Senators and voice their concerns regarding the Countering CCP Drones Act. The bill, embedded within the larger NDAA, reflects ongoing tensions between the U.S. and China, with a focus on safeguarding national security rather than engaging in trade conflicts.

As the Senate deliberates on the bill, the future of DJI drones in the U.S. hangs in the balance, awaiting a final decision that could reshape the drone industry landscape. Stay tuned for updates on this evolving legislative development.

Check out these links about the DJI Drone ban bill.