Update: Senate Committee Omits DJI Drone Ban from NDAA

Legislative Update

On June 18, 2024, the House of Representatives passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which included the “Countering CCP Drones Act” aimed at banning DJI drones. Recently, the Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) released its version of the NDAA without these provisions. However, two US Senators have now introduced an amendment to reintroduce the DJI ban.

New Amendment Details

Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Mark Warner (D-VA) have proposed the amendment to the Senate’s FY25 NDAA, calling for a ban on the sale of new DJI drones in the US. This amendment has not yet been considered and differs significantly from the House version. The Senate will vote on NDAA amendments in September at the earliest.

Provisions of the Proposed Amendment

• Identification of Chinese Military Companies: The Secretary of Defense will review drone manufacturers for any connections to the Chinese military.
• Restricting DJI Products: DJI would be added to the list of companies whose communications and video equipment are restricted from use.
• First Responder Secure Drone Program: Establishes a program to provide grants to local agencies to purchase drones from companies other than those deemed foreign entities of concern.

Next Steps in the Legislative Process

If the amendment is included in the Senate’s NDAA, it will require reconciliation with the House version, which could take several weeks to months. The final bill, once reconciled, must pass both chambers before being sent to the President for approval or veto.

Why Drone Harmony is Essential Now

In light of these legislative developments, the importance of geopolitically neutral and secure data handling platforms like Drone Harmony cannot be overstated. Here’s why:

• Geopolitical Neutrality: Drone Harmony operates independently of drone hardware manufacturers, ensuring that your operations are not affected by geopolitical tensions or legislative changes targeting specific companies.
• Secure Data Handling: Our platform offers robust data security with private or local server options, giving you control over your data and ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements.
• Uninterrupted Operations: By using a third-party software hosting platform like Drone Harmony, you can maintain seamless operations regardless of hardware bans or restrictions, allowing you to focus on your core business activities.

Timeline Recap So Far

1. House NDAA Passage: On June 18, 2024, the House passed the NDAA, including the “Countering CCP Drones Act,” which aimed to ban DJI drones.
2. Senate Committee Action: The Senate Armed Services Committee released its version of the NDAA, excluding the DJI ban.
3. New Amendment Introduction: Senators Rick Scott and Mark Warner introduced an amendment to the Senate’s NDAA to reintroduce the DJI ban.
4. Next Steps: The Senate will debate and vote on NDAA amendments in September. If the amendment passes, it will require reconciliation with the House version.

Next Steps

As the Senate prepares to review the bill, staying informed and proactive is crucial. We will continue to monitor this situation and provide reliable and accurate updates as they become available. Please follow our Linkedin page to receive these updates when they are ready.