Drones for First Responders Act
Sponsored By: Representative Stefanik
In Committee
Summary
Escalating tariffs on Chinese-made unmanned aircraft. This bill would impose rising duties on Chinese-origin drones, tighten origin rules to block Chinese components, and direct the collected duties into a grant fund for secure drones for first responders, farmers, and critical infrastructure.
Show full summary
- First responders: Grants are prioritized for first responders and get 60% of available funds to buy or lease secure unmanned aircraft systems and support operational use.
- Farmers and ranchers: Farmers and ranchers can receive 20% of grant funding to purchase or operate secure drone systems for agriculture.
- Critical infrastructure providers: Critical infrastructure entities get 20% of grants to secure drone capabilities and program management.
- Importers and buyers: Drones classified from specified HTS subheadings as products of China would face tiered ad valorem duties starting at 30% in year one, rising to 45% in year four, and a $100 per unit plus 50% rate on or after year five.
- Origin and enforcement: Beginning January 1, 2031 entries under the drone heading must include certification that key components were not made in China and U.S. Customs and Border Protection must verify those claims. The FAA can provide a list of aircraft eligible for an exemption based on Part 135 or specific carrier exemptions.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants for secure drones for responders, farms
If enacted, the government would set up a fund using new drone tariff money and start a grant program within one year. Each year, 60% would go to first responders, 20% to farmers and ranchers, and 20% to critical infrastructure providers. Grants could help buy or lease secure drones, run operations, and manage programs. A “secure” drone would not be made or assembled by a covered foreign entity or in a foreign adversary country. The agency would decide most applications in 90 days (one 45‑day extension allowed) and give priority to places that ban drones based on country of origin or maker. The agency would report to Congress every year.
Stricter import checks on drone parts
Starting January 1, 2031, importers of drones under HTS 8806 would need proof that key parts were not made in China, and CBP would have to verify it. Some aircraft would be exempt if the FAA approved them for certain operations before January 1, 2026 and they are not fully made by a covered foreign entity or in a foreign adversary country. The FAA would have to give CBP the list of exempt aircraft by January 1, 2026.
Higher tariffs on Chinese-made drones
If enacted, importers of unmanned aircraft from China would pay extra tariffs starting 30 days after enactment at 12:01 a.m. EDT. Rates would be 30% in year one, 35% in year two, 40% in year three, and 45% in year four. After that, the charge would be $100 per item plus 50% of the value. These charges would be on top of any other duties. The money would go into a new fund to support secure drone grants.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Stefanik
NY • R
Cosponsors
Moolenaar
MI • R
Sponsored 6/5/2025
LaHood
IL • R
Sponsored 6/5/2025
Wittman
VA • R
Sponsored 6/5/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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