What does Preamble of Drones for First Responders Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States to increase the rate of duty on unmanned aircraft, and for other purposes,' aims to modify duties on unmanned aircraft. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 5, 2025.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Drones for First Responders Act do?

This bill is formally titled the Drones for First Responders Act.

What does FINDINGS AND SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Drones for First Responders Act do?

This section outlines findings regarding unmanned aircraft (drones) manufactured in the People's Republic of China. Congress finds that these drones pose an unacceptable national security risk and dominate the U.S. market. The Chinese Communist Party's subsidization of drone suppliers is seen as undermining domestic and allied markets. Over 90% of drones used by U.S. first responders are currently made in China. Congress asserts the strategic importance of secure drones manufactured in the U.S. or by allies. The section states that the U.S. cannot rely on China for critical first responder drone operations. Congress believes it is vital to ensure U.S. and allied drone manufacturers are competitive with Chinese manufacturers. Securing the unmanned aircraft supply chain for the domestic market, allies, and free trade partners is identified as a national security interest. Tariffs on Chinese drones are seen as incentivizing domestic and allied sourcing, promoting resilient supply chains. Congress expresses the sense that a phased-in protective duty for drones is prudent to safeguard the industry and increase competitiveness outside of China.

What does DUTY INCREASE FOR IMPORTS OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT. of Drones for First Responders Act do?

This section amends Subchapter III of chapter 99 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to establish new subheadings for unmanned aircraft imported from China. It imposes additional ad valorem rates of duty on certain products of China classified in specific subheadings (8806.10.00, 8806.21.00, etc.). The duty rates increase over a four-year period: 30% for the first year, 35% for the second, 40% for the third, and 45% for the fourth, followed by a fixed rate of $100 plus 50% thereafter. These additional duties are applied in conjunction with any other duties or rates already applicable to these products. Temporary duty exemptions or reductions do not apply to these products subject to the new duties.

What does STRENGTHENED RULES OF ORIGIN FOR ENTRIES OF UNMANNED AIRCRAFT of Drones for First Responders Act do?

This section establishes strengthened rules of origin for unmanned aircraft (UAS) classified under heading 8806 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Beginning January 1, 2031, UAS entries will require a certificate or documentation verifying that specified components (flight controller, radio, etc.) were not manufactured in the People's Republic of China. U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) must confirm the veracity of this documentation. An exemption applies to UAS authorized for operations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) under specific regulations or included in an air carrier’s exemption under section 44807 of title 49, United States Code, provided they are not manufactured in whole by a covered foreign entity or in a foreign adversary country. The FAA Administrator must provide CBP with a list of UAS qualifying for the exemption by January 1, 2026, and certify its accuracy. The term 'air carrier' is defined according to section 40102 of title 49, United States Code, and 'customs territory of the United States' is defined according to general note 2 of the HTS.

What does SECURE UNMANNED AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS FUND AND of Drones for First Responders Act do?

This section establishes the "Secure Unmanned Aircraft Systems for First Responders Fund" within the Treasury. The Fund will receive duties collected under specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) subheadings and U.S. notes. The Secretary is authorized to use the Fund's amounts to carry out a grant program for the following fiscal year. The grant program, beginning within one year of the Act's enactment, will provide grants to first responders, farmers and ranchers, and providers of critical infrastructure. Grants can be used to purchase or lease secure unmanned aircraft systems, support operational capabilities, and support program management. The Secretary must consult with the Secretary of Agriculture regarding farmer/rancher applications and with the Secretary of Transportation regarding critical infrastructure applications. Grant funding will be prioritized: 60% for first responders, 20% for farmers/ranchers, and 20% for critical infrastructure providers. The Secretary must approve or deny grant applications within 90 days, prioritizing funding to jurisdictions with bans on unmanned aircraft based on origin or manufacturer. Denied applicants can resubmit or submit new applications. The Secretary must submit an annual report to Congress detailing the program's implementation, including grant descriptions and amounts.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Drones for First Responders Act do?

This section defines key terms used throughout the Act. A 'covered foreign entity' is defined as an entity listed on several government lists, including the Consolidated Screening List, the Department of Defense's Chinese Military Company List, and the Department of Treasury's Non-SDN Chinese Military Industrial Complex Companies List. The term 'critical infrastructure' has the meaning given in the Critical Infrastructures Protection Act of 2001. The definition of 'first responder' is drawn from the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968. A 'foreign adversary country' is defined as a 'covered nation' as defined in title 10, United States Code. ‘HTS’ refers to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States. The 'Fund' is defined as the Secure Unmanned Aircraft Systems for First Responders Fund established by section 5. ‘Schedule of Concessions’ refers to Schedule XX of the WTO, with terms defined by the Uruguay Round Agreements Act. The 'Secretary' is generally the Secretary of Homeland Security or their designee. A 'secure unmanned aircraft system' is an unmanned aircraft system not manufactured or assembled by a covered foreign entity or in a foreign adversary country.

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Drones for First Responders Act

Last updated: 6/6/2025 · Introduced: 6/5/2025

Author: Elise Stefanik (R-NY)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill increases import duties on unmanned aircraft (drones) from China over a four-year period, rising from 30% to 45%, and then establishing a fixed rate thereafter.
Beginning in 2031, stricter rules of origin will require documentation verifying that key drone components were not manufactured in China to ensure secure sourcing.
The 'Secure Unmanned Aircraft Systems for First Responders Fund' is created to receive revenue from the increased drone duties.
This fund will provide grants to first responders, farmers/ranchers, and critical infrastructure providers to purchase or lease secure drones and support related operations.
The bill defines 'secure unmanned aircraft systems' as those not manufactured or assembled by entities or countries deemed covered foreign entities or foreign adversaries.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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