Homeland Security and Energy Chairs Urge DHS and DOE to Release Information on Potential Threats

Summary:
House Committee on Homeland Security Chair Mark E. Green and Energy and Commerce Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers have urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to declassify information on national security threats posed by Chinese-manufactured drones, specifically those from DJI and Autel Robotics. These drones are widely used by U.S. state and local law enforcement, potentially exposing them to cybersecurity risks. The request emphasizes the public’s right to understand these threats, noting past federal actions against DJI, including procurement halts and placement on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List. The call for declassification follows the recent passing of the National Defense Authorization Act, which includes measures against DJI drones. A briefing for Committee staff is requested by July 2, 2024.