Drone Industry Under Attack: Countering CCP Drones Act Sparks Opposition

The drone industry is facing a significant threat from the Countering CCP Drones Act (H.R.2864), which aims to limit the use of Chinese-manufactured drones in the United States. The bill has sparked opposition from various stakeholders, including drone service providers, public safety users, and American businesses that rely on this critical technology.

Go to the Drone Advocacy Alliance website now to voice your support!

The Bill’s Impact

The Countering CCP Drones Act, sponsored by Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), seeks to ban the use of DJI drones, the leading drone manufacturer in the world. This ban would have far-reaching consequences for the drone industry, affecting not only recreational users but also commercial operators and public safety agencies that rely on these drones for critical operations.

READ MORE: DRONE INDUSTRY’S OUTRAGE OVER STEFANIK’S ANTI-CHINA LEGISLATION

Co-Sponsors of the Bill

The bill has garnered support from several congressional representatives, including:

• Rep. Gallagher, Mike [R-WI-8]
• Rep. Mills, Cory [R-FL-7]
• Rep. Guest, Michael [R-MS-3]
• Rep. Moolenaar, John R. [R-MI-2]
• Rep. Williams, Brandon [R-NY-22]
• Rep. Krishnamoorthi, Raja [D-IL-8]
• Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-3]
• Rep. Rose, John W. [R-TN-6]
• Rep. Cole, Tom [R-OK-4]
• Rep. Mast, Brian J. [R-FL-21]
• Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17]
• Rep. Hinson, Ashley [R-IA-2]
• Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3]
• Rep. Guthrie, Brett [R-KY-2]
• Rep. Alford, Mark [R-MO-4]

Industry Voices Speak Out

Tommy Gunn, Marketing Director at Advexure, has voiced his opposition to the bill through an awesome song on LinkedIn, emphasizing the need for drone enthusiasts to take action.

“If you fly DJI aircraft, whether commercially or recreationally, it’s time to make your voices heard!” he urges.

DroneXL’s Take

The Countering CCP Drones Act is a misguided attempt to address national security concerns through a blanket ban on Chinese-manufactured drones. This approach would not only harm the drone industry but also limit the ability of public safety agencies to perform their duties effectively. As we have seen in previous articles, the drone industry is a vital component of modern emergency response efforts, providing critical situational awareness and enhancing response times. Instead of banning DJI drones, the government should focus on establishing robust security protocols and standards that ensure the safe and secure use of drones in the U.S.

Go to the Drone Advocacy Alliance website now to voice your support!

Image and music credit: Tommy Gunn from Advexure.

Draft text to oppose the Countering CCP Drones Act

Feel free to copy the text below as a draft or starting point of your email that you can send to your representatives through the DAA website:

Subject: Oppose the Countering CCP Drones Act, HR 2864 and its Inclusion in the 2025 NDAA

Dear Representative Stefanik and Senator Schumer,

I am writing to you today to express my strong opposition to the Countering CCP Drones Act, HR 2864, and its potential inclusion in the 2025 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This legislation, if passed, would have far-reaching and devastating consequences for Americans like me who rely on drones for business, research, recreation, and public safety.

As a constituent and a business owner, I am deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the drone industry in the United States. The Countering CCP Drones Act aims to limit the use of Chinese-manufactured drones in the U.S., which would effectively ban DJI drones, the leading drone manufacturer in the world. This ban would not only harm my business but also cripple the entire drone industry in the United States.

DJI drones are widely used by various sectors, including public safety agencies, small businesses, and individuals for recreational purposes. These drones are essential tools for search and rescue operations, infrastructure inspections, and environmental monitoring, among other critical applications. By banning DJI drones, this legislation would severely limit the ability of these organizations and individuals to perform their duties effectively.

Furthermore, this ban would also have significant economic implications. The drone industry is a growing sector that contributes significantly to the U.S. economy. By restricting the use of DJI drones, this legislation would lead to job losses, business closures, and a significant decline in economic activity.

I understand the concerns about national security, but I believe that these concerns can be addressed through more targeted and nuanced measures. Rather than imposing a blanket ban on Chinese-manufactured drones, the government should focus on implementing robust security protocols and standards that ensure the safe and secure use of drones in the U.S.

I urge you to oppose the Countering CCP Drones Act, HR 2864, and its inclusion in the 2025 NDAA. This legislation is misguided and would have severe consequences for the drone industry and the American people. Instead, I recommend that you work towards finding alternative solutions that address national security concerns while also promoting the growth and development of the drone industry in the United States.

Thank you for considering my concerns. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this matter.

Sincerely,