Congress moves to ban new sales of Chinese-made drones over security concerns

Congress is moving to ban new sales of Chinese-made drones in the U.S. due to national security concerns. A recent defense bill allows the government to stop sales from two Chinese companies if they are deemed a risk. This follows existing restrictions on federal agencies using Chinese drones. Many American users, including farmers and law enforcement, rely on these drones for their cost-effectiveness and performance. Alternatives are often more expensive and less capable, raising concerns about disruptions in various operations, from agriculture to emergency response. Several states have already restricted the use of Chinese drones, leading to challenges for agencies that depend on them. In Florida, for example, law enforcement has faced difficulties transitioning to more expensive alternatives, resulting in a significant drop in drone usage.