Background

In recent years, drones have evolved into a versatile tool for the law enforcement, military and industrial sectors. Specific to construction, firms have integrated drones into critical tasks including jobsite inspections, site mapping, safety compliance and progress tracking. However, with China producing the overwhelming majority of drones in use in the United States, Congress and the White House’s national security concerns have prompted actions to review and limit foreign drone use.

Beginning Dec. 22, 2025, federal funding may no longer be used to acquire or operate drones produced by covered foreign entities, including DJI and Autel Robotics. This requirement was included in H.R.2670, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024.

Further, Congress directed the appropriate national security agency to review whether DJI and Autel Robotics pose an unacceptable national security risk in H.R.5009, the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025. The review is due by Dec. 23, 2025, and could result in both companies being listed on the Federal Communications Commission's Covered List if the review finds risk or is not completed by the deadline. Notably, this could prohibit the sale or import of drones from these manufacturers.

On June 6, President Donald Trump issued two executive orders: Unleashing American Drone Dominance and Restoring American Airspace Sovereignty. These orders aim to counter foreign drone threats and accelerate domestic drone production. In concurrence with Unleashing American Drone Dominance, the Federal Aviation Administration issued the Normalizing Unmanned Aircraft Systems Beyond Visual Line of Sight Operations proposed rule. This rulemaking would enable certificated and permitted operators to fly drones beyond the visual line of sight without a waiver in defined operating environments.

Desired Outcome

ABC supports efforts by the president and Congress to increase domestic drone production and agrees that national security should be our nation’s No. 1 priority. By supporting domestic drone manufacturing and construction industry drone acquisitions, policymakers can scale U.S. drone production and innovation while ensuring that America’s infrastructure projects continue to move forward. ABC looks forward to continuing to work with the FAA and Congress on U.S. drone policy.