Senate Version of NDAA Excludes Countering CCP Drones Act Language

Vic Moss from the Drone Service Provider Alliance and the Drone Advocacy Alliance has shared important news regarding the Countering CCP Drones Act. In a Facebook video, Moss revealed that the language of this controversial act is not included in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2025.

Key Updates on the NDAA and Drone Legislation

Moss stated, “I wanted to let you know that I just found out the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act has been released today. The Countering CCP Drones language is not, I repeat, is not in it.”

This development marks a significant turn in the ongoing debate about Chinese-made drones in the United States. The Countering CCP Drones Act, which aims to restrict Chinese made drones from companies like DJI, was included in the House version of the NDAA passed on June 14, 2024.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

The legislative journey is far from over. Moss explained, “This means the next step is voting on it, but who knows when that will happen – they’re talking about waiting for the lame-duck session. Then it will go to the conference committee since the language is in the House version but not in the Senate version.”

The discrepancy between the House and Senate versions means that a conference committee will need to reconcile the differences. This process will ultimately determine whether the restrictions on Chinese-made drones make it into the final NDAA.

Implications for the Drone Industry

The exclusion of the Countering CCP Drones Act language from the Senate version of the NDAA is seen as a positive development by many in the Drone Industry.

Moss expressed cautious optimism, saying, “So, good news: the CCP Drones Act language is not in the Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act. Yay, step one complete!”

If the Act were to become law, it would significantly impact the U.S. drone market, particularly affecting public safety agencies and other sectors that heavily rely on DJI drones.

DroneXL’s Take

The exclusion of the Countering CCP Drones Act language from the Senate version of the NDAA represents a critical juncture in the ongoing debate over drone regulation and national security. While proponents of the Act argue for reducing reliance on Chinese technology, many in the drone industry warn of potential disruptions to various sectors, especially public safety operations.

This development aligns with concerns raised by public safety experts, as reported in a recent DroneXL article. These experts have cautioned about the far-reaching consequences of a blanket ban on DJI drones, highlighting the lack of readily available alternatives.

As the legislative process continues, it’s crucial to balance national security concerns with the practical needs of drone users across various sectors. The drone community will be watching closely as the NDAA moves through the conference committee, where the final fate of these drone restrictions will be decided.