The Drones for First Responders Act would impose escalating tariffs on drones imported from China to reduce U.S. dependence on Chinese-made unmanned aircraft and support domestic manufacturing. The tariffs would start at 30 percent thirty days after the bill's enactment and increase over four years to 50 percent plus a $100 per-unit fee. The legislation would also establish strict rules requiring that drones entering the United States after January 1, 2030 contain no components manufactured in China, with limited exemptions for certain aircraft already approved by the Federal Aviation Administration. Revenue from the tariffs would fund a new grant program to help first responders, farmers and ranchers, and critical infrastructure providers purchase or operate domestically-made or allied-country drones, with 60 percent of funding directed to first responders, 20 percent to farmers and ranchers, and 20 percent to critical infrastructure providers.
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