Amid threats from China, the U.S. House of Representatives has passed a bill that would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from using drones made in countries designated as foreign adversaries.
The Unmanned Aerial Security Act, authored by House Homeland Security Committee Vice Chairman Michael Guest (R-Miss.), passed Thursday ahead of the August recess.
“We know that drones made by our foreign adversaries can be manipulated to undermine American security – a security risk that we cannot tolerate as the Chinese Communist Party presents a continuous threat against our nation and our allies,” Guest said. “The Department of Homeland Security utilizes drones for critical missions, and it is imperative that we trust the technology we are using.
“It is well known that the Chinese Communist Party has stolen our technology and information in the past. That’s why this legislation is so important. It would help mitigate security risks by ensuring our drones are not manufactured by our adversaries – including those manufacturers influenced by the CCP.”
Guest, along with other lawmakers, have been vocal about their growing concerns over foreign adversaries spying on America. Earlier this year, a Chinese spy balloon was shot down off the coast of South Carolina after traveling over a large portion of the U.S. The Biden administration later confirmed that China has been working to build spy bases in Cuba.
Following the bill’s passage in the House, it will now head to the Senate for consideration.
