Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8416

Introduced
5/15/24  
Refer
5/15/24  

Caption

Drones for First Responders Act

Impact

If enacted, the legislation would introduce a phased duty increase on Chinese-made unmanned aircraft over a period of years, culminating in a 45% duty after four years. This significant modification in import duties aims to protect and promote the domestic unmanned aircraft industry by reducing reliance on foreign manufacture. The proposed tariff structure reflects a strategic intent to bolster the competitive standing of U.S. manufacturers as well as those from allied countries, thereby supporting the operational capabilities of first responders, farmers, and critical infrastructure operators in access to secure unmanned aircraft.

Summary

House Bill 8416, titled the 'Drones for First Responders Act', seeks to amend the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States by increasing the duties on unmanned aircraft, particularly those manufactured in the People's Republic of China. The bill positions itself as a response to national security concerns over reliance on foreign-made drones, especially considering that over 90 percent of unmanned aircraft used by first responders are sourced from China. By imposing higher tariffs on these imports, the bill aims to incentivize domestic production and the procurement of drones from allied nations, enhancing the security of critical infrastructure and first responders.

Contention

Despite the stated benefits, the bill has sparked discussions regarding its implications on trade relations and potential backlash or retaliatory measures from China. Critics have raised concerns about heightened costs for public safety organizations that rely on these drones, arguing that increased tariffs could limit their operational budgets and options. Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the necessity for suppliers of unmanned aircraft to adhere to strict rules of origin, which may complicate the importation process, thereby affecting supply chains in a sector already dealing with rapid technological advancements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB694

Restoring Trade Fairness ActThis bill establishes various trade measures related to China, including by revoking China's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and increasing the rates of duty (i.e., tariffs) on Chinese imported goods. The bill prohibits imported goods originating from North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran from receiving de minimis treatment. (Current law allows for U.S. imports under a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment to enter free of tariffs, fees, and taxes.)Specifically, the bill revokes China's PNTR status. Currently, China's PNTR status allows for Chinese goods to have duty rates set forth in column 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). With the removal of China's PNTR status, the bill generally sets the applicable duty rates on imported Chinese goods at the higher rates listed in column 2 of the HTS, with exceptions.The bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 35% for all Chinese goods, which requires column 2 rates to be at least 35%. However, the bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 100% for a list of specified goods (e.g., various minerals, certain vaccines and drugs, and certain defense-related articles). Duty rates are phased in over five years and adjusted annually for inflation.The bill alsoauthorizes the President to take additional actions related to trade with China, requires merchandise imported from China to be appraised based on U.S. value, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers for lost revenue resulting from retaliatory actions by China.

US HB10127

Restoring Trade Fairness Act

US HB6453

No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act of 2023

US SB1830

STOP Illicit Drones Act Stemming The Operation of Pernicious and Illicit Drones Act

US SB206

Restoring Trade Fairness ActThis bill establishes various trade measures related to China, including by revoking China's permanent normal trade relations (PNTR) status and increasing the rates of duty (i.e., tariffs) on Chinese imported goods. The bill prohibits imported goods originating from North Korea, China, Russia, or Iran from receiving de minimis treatment. (Current law allows for U.S. imports under a de minimis threshold of $800 per shipment to enter free of tariffs, fees, and taxes.)Specifically, the bill revokes China's PNTR status. Currently, China's PNTR status allows for Chinese goods to have duty rates set forth in column 1 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTS). With the removal of China's PNTR status, the bill generally sets the applicable duty rates on imported Chinese goods at the higher rates listed in column 2 of the HTS, with exceptions.The bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 35% for all Chinese goods, which requires column 2 rates to be at least 35%. However, the bill establishes a minimum duty rate of 100% for a list of specified goods (e.g., various minerals, certain vaccines and drugs, and certain defense-related articles). Duty rates are phased in over five years and adjusted annually for inflation.The bill alsoauthorizes the President to take additional actions related to trade with China, requires merchandise imported from China to be appraised based on U.S. value, and establishes a trust fund to compensate U.S. producers for lost revenue resulting from retaliatory actions by China.

US SB5264

Neither Permanent Nor Normal Trade Relations Act

US HB6143

American Security Drone Act of 2023

US SB3334

No ICBMs or Drones for Iran Act of 2023

US HB3593

Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act

US HB8352

Declaring Our Energy Independence from China Act of 2024

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