Following passage in both the U.S. House and Senate, Congress sent the FY 2024 National Defense Authorization Act to President Biden’s desk for signature.

This legislation includes the bipartisan American Security Drone Act (ASDA), which will prohibit federal agencies from procuring and operating non-secure drones. The measure was introduced in the Senate by Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Mark Warner (D-VA) and in the House by Select Committee on Strategic Competition between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party Chair Mike Gallagher (R-WI) and Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT).

On behalf of the Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI), Chief Advocacy Officer Michael Robbins issued the following statement:

“AUVSI commends Congress for incorporating the American Security Drone Act into the FY 2024 NDAA. Prohibiting federal agencies from purchasing or operating non-secure drones, especially those produced by Chinese firms, is a necessary step in protecting our nation from cyber risks, espionage, and sabotage. We urge President Biden to sign this measure into law swiftly.” 

“Rational, tailored country of origin drone restrictions like those within ASDA are critical to protecting U.S. national security. Additionally, AUVSI remains committed to working with Congress and the Biden Administration through the Partnership for Drone Competitiveness to advance policies that bolster America’s domestic drone industry, secure American leadership in advanced aviation, and effectively level the playing field for domestic and allied drone manufacturers against foreign subsidized competition. American reliance on foreign adversaries for drone technology must end.”