On January 2, the Department of Commerce announced a new rulemaking period to evaluate potential bans or restrictions on drones manufactured in China. This decision follows a bipartisan inquiry by the Select Committee in June, which urged the Commerce Department to act against surveillance threats posed by these foreign drones.

Chairman John Moolenaar (R-MI) and Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) of the House Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between the United States and the Chinese Communist Party released a joint statement in response to this announcement. They expressed concerns over "drones made in the People’s Republic of China, including those made by DJI," highlighting their risks to national security and privacy.

The statement emphasized that "recent news reports have highlighted the increasing use of drones near sensitive military installations," pointing out significant espionage and national security concerns. The committee had previously requested that Commerce exercise its authority over information and communications technology and services (ICTS) to restrict PRC drones within U.S. borders.

The action taken by Commerce aligns with legislative measures such as the Countering CCP Drones Act included in this year’s National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). According to Moolenaar and Krishnamoorthi, "swift action on both fronts" will enhance national security while reinforcing U.S. vigilance against threats from China's Communist Party.

Further details can be found in Reuters' coverage of this development.