Speaking at the AUVSI Drone and AAM Policy Symposium, Senator Rick Scott (R-FL) outlined his vision for strengthening America’s position in the global drone market by curbing reliance on Chinese-made systems and investing in U.S. manufacturing.
His remarks, delivered to a room of policymakers, agency officials, and drone industry stakeholders, emphasized both national security imperatives and economic opportunity.
Scott used the platform to promote his recently introduced Drones for America Act, legislation designed to phase out the use of drones and drone components manufactured in China. The bill proposes a ban on Chinese-manufactured systems by January 1, 2028, and on Chinese components by 2031. It also includes a tariff regime that would increase annually, with collected revenues directed toward a federal grant program to support U.S. drone procurement—particularly by public safety agencies, critical infrastructure operators, and local governments.
The senator framed the proposed legislation as both a continuation and escalation of his ongoing efforts to limit exposure to foreign surveillance risks and to restore domestic control over key elements of the drone ecosystem. Earlier efforts, such as provisions in the 2024 and 2025 National Defense Authorization Acts, have already restricted federal use of drones from China and funded assessments of supply chain vulnerability.
Scott also called attention to the role of industry in shaping future policy, encouraging manufacturers and service providers to actively engage in the legislative process. His remarks underscored the belief that American companies have both the technical capability and strategic responsibility to lead in developing secure, domestically produced drone platforms.
The keynote set the tone for a day of programming at the symposium focused on regulatory frameworks, spectrum access, and infrastructure needs for both traditional drones and emerging advanced air mobility systems. Multiple sessions addressed the evolving federal landscape, including expected updates to import control rules and trusted component guidance.
With bipartisan concern growing over Chinese technology in critical systems—and with new funding mechanisms now being proposed—Scott’s appearance signals a push to accelerate legislative momentum around domestic drone policy. His message to the audience was clear: the United States must seize the moment to build a trusted, sovereign drone industrial base.
