Rep. Pat Harrigan, R-N.C., is spearheading an effort to phase out Chinese-made drones from U.S. law enforcement agencies, citing national security risks posed by companies tied to the Chinese Communist Party. Harrigan's proposed "American Drone Manufacturing Dominance Act of 2026" seeks to provide an "off-ramp" for agencies currently using Chinese drones and aims to bolster domestic drone manufacturing.
The bill proposes setting aside $1.5 billion in federal funding, to be sourced from existing tariffs, to accelerate the removal of Chinese-made drones and subsidize the development of a U.S. drone manufacturing base with defense applications. Additionally, the legislation would make federal grant funding conditional on not acquiring foreign-made drones after January 1, 2027.
"Here in the United States, we've allowed China to dominate much of the global drone market while American agencies continue relying on systems built by companies tied to the Chinese Communist Party," Harrigan stated. "That's a strategic mistake."
Harrigan highlighted the evolving role of drones, noting their increased sophistication and use in conflicts worldwide. "One of the clearest lessons from Ukraine is that drones are no longer a niche capability; they're a foundational part of modern warfare," he said. This perspective underscores the security implications of relying on foreign technology for critical public safety and national security functions.
Drones are increasingly utilized across various sectors in the U.S., including border security and by local law enforcement. However, many agencies are heavily reliant on Chinese manufacturers, such as Da Jiang Innovations (DJI). In Texas, for example, records from 2024 indicated that 879 out of 966 drones registered to police and sheriff's departments were produced by DJI.
Harrigan believes that as drone technology becomes more integral to national security, public safety, and critical infrastructure, it is imperative for America to possess its own manufacturing capabilities. "If drones are going to play a central role in national security, public safety, and critical infrastructure, America needs to be able to build them here at home," Harrigan stated.
The bill's path through the U.S. House of Representatives remains to be determined. The legislative push by Harrigan is part of a broader Republican effort to reduce reliance on Chinese manufacturing in sensitive areas.