Drones for First Responders Act

This bill increases tariffs on Chinese-made drones, restricts imports of drones with Chinese-made components starting in 2030, and creates a fund and grant program to help first responders, farmers, and critical infrastructure providers buy secure drones. Sec. 3, Duty increase for imports of unmanned aircraft: This section adds new tariff codes to the Harmonized Tariff Schedule to impose a phased-in additional duty on Chinese unmanned aircraft (drones) classified under specific subheadings. The duty starts at 30% 30 days after enactment, increases to 35% after one year, 40% after two years, 45% after three years, and finally to $100 each plus 50% after four years. These duties apply on top of any other applicable duties. Sec. 4, Strengthened rules of origin for entries of unmanned aircraft under heading 8806 of the HTS: Starting January 1, 2030, drones classified under heading 8806 cannot enter the U.S. unless accompanied by a certificate proving they do not contain a flight controller, radio, camera, or other listed components manufactured in China, and U.S. Customs confirms the certificate's veracity. An exemption exists for drones authorized by the FAA for certain operations before January 1, 2025, that are not wholly made by a covered foreign entity or in a foreign adversary country. Sec. 5, Secure Unmanned Aircraft Systems for First Responders Fund and Grant Program: This section establishes a fund in the U.S. Treasury that will receive all duties collected under the new tariff. The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to use the fund to run a grant program for first responders, farmers and ranchers, and critical infrastructure providers to purchase or lease secure drones and support their operations. Of the fund's amounts, 60% must go to first responders, 20% to farmers and ranchers, and 20% to critical infrastructure providers. The Secretary must approve or deny grant applications within 90 days, with a possible 45-day extension, and must report annually to Congress. Sec. 6, Definitions: This section defines key terms used in the bill, including 'covered foreign entity' (entities on specific U.S. government lists), 'critical infrastructure', 'first responder', 'foreign adversary country', 'HTS', 'Fund', 'Schedule of Concessions', 'Secretary' (the Secretary of Homeland Security or their designee), and 'secure unmanned aircraft system' (a drone not made or assembled by a covered foreign entity or in a foreign adversary country).