House Committee Chairs Call for Release of Classified Information on National Security Threats from Chinese Drones
Representatives urge DHS and DOE to disclose findings on risks posed by Chinese-manufactured drones, citing concerns over cybersecurity threats and public interest over classified information. The request follows legislative actions to restrict the use of Chinese drones in the U.S., amid growing focus on protecting critical infrastructure from cyber threats originating from China.
On June 20, 2024, the chairs of the House Committee on Homeland Security and the House Committee on Energy and Commerce urged the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of Energy (DOE) to release classified information regarding national security threats posed by drones manufactured in the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The letter, co-signed by Representative Mark E. Green (R-TN) and Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA), specifically mentions drones from DJI and Autel Robotics.
The request was directed to Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) Director Jen Easterly and DOE’s Principal Deputy Undersecretary Derek Passarelli. Green and Rodgers argue that disclosing findings from Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) about these drones’ risks would serve the public interest and national security better than keeping the information classified.
The issue arises amid concerns that drones used widely by U.S. local and state law enforcement could introduce cybersecurity threats. In previous years, federal agencies like the Department of Defense have taken measures against DJI drones, including halting procurement and placing DJI on the Department of Commerce’s Entity List. Recent legislative actions, including the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, also indicate a growing focus on restricting Chinese-manufactured drones in the U.S.
Green and Rodgers have requested a detailed briefing on the matter by July 2, 2024, addressing key officials, including the Director of National Intelligence and the secretaries of DHS and DOE.
Separately, the DHS has identified countering cyber and other threats from China as a top priority through 2025, focusing on protecting critical infrastructure. This guidance comes amid increased warnings from federal authorities, including the FBI, about China’s ability and willingness to conduct cyberattacks on U.S. infrastructure.