HR-6143 : Still Just a Bill

H.R. 6143, the "American Security Drone Act of 2023," aims to restrict the procurement and operation of unmanned aircraft systems (drones) manufactured or assembled by certain foreign entities deemed to pose a national security risk. Key provisions include:

• Prohibition: Federal agencies are generally prohibited from procuring or operating covered drones from "covered foreign entities."
• Covered Foreign Entity Definition: This includes entities on the Consolidated Screening List, those determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security to pose a national security risk, entities domiciled in or controlled by the People's Republic of China, and their subsidiaries/affiliates.
• Exemptions: Several exemptions exist for specific agencies (e.g., Homeland Security, Defense, Transportation) under certain circumstances, such as research, counterterrorism activities, or ensuring the safe operation of the National Airspace System. Waivers may be granted on a case-by-case basis with OMB approval and Congressional notification.
• Federal Funding Restriction: Federal funds cannot be used to procure or operate covered drones from covered foreign entities, subject to similar exemptions as above.
• Purchase Card Prohibition: Government-issued purchase cards cannot be used to buy covered drones from covered foreign entities.
• Inventory Management: Executive agencies must account for existing inventories of covered drones from covered foreign entities.
• Government-Wide Policy: Establishes a government-wide policy for the procurement of drones, addressing information security risks.
• Study: Requires a study on the supply chain for unmanned aircraft systems and components.

The bill includes a sunset clause, stating that the core prohibitions will expire five years after enactment. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on November 1, 2023 and referred to the Committees on Oversight and Accountability, and Armed Services.