U.S. Lawmakers Propose Bill to Phase Out Chinese-Made Drones in Law Enforcement

Representative Pat Harrigan, a Republican from North Carolina and member of the House Armed Services Committee, is advocating for the removal of Chinese-manufactured drones from U.S. law enforcement. Harrigan stated that the reliance on drones from companies linked to the Chinese Communist Party represents a strategic error. The proposed legislation, known as the American Drone Manufacturing Dominance Act of 2026, aims to provide alternatives for law enforcement currently using Chinese drones and includes provisions to condition federal grant funding on not acquiring foreign-made drones after January 1, 2027. The bill allocates $1.5 billion in federal funding, sourced from tariffs, to support the development of a domestic drone manufacturing base for defense applications. Harrigan emphasized the growing security concerns associated with drone technology, particularly in light of its use in modern warfare. He noted that while major U.S. cities have imposed restrictions on drone usage, their application has increased, especially in border security. In Texas, for example, a significant majority of drones registered for law enforcement use are produced by the Chinese company Da Jiang Innovations (DJI). Harrigan advocates for prioritizing U.S. manufacturing to ensure safety and security as drone usage continues to expand. The timeline for the bill's consideration in the House of Representatives remains uncertain.