What a Republican controlled government likely means for the DJI ban

Last week, Americans across the country went to the polls to vote for their local and national representatives. The result was concise: the Democratic Party was out and the Republicans in. Anti-China regulation has been widely bipartisan for the last few years; however, DJI’s ban here in the States has been championed mostly by the right. With them now in nearly full power, what does this mean?

Former President Trump strongly won his bid to return to the White House in January against Vice President Kamala Harris. The conclusion was a shocking surprise to many, as all pre-election analysts stated that it would be an extremely close race that could last days or weeks with recounts. However, by 11:00 P.M. on election night, the winner was clear.

What was also quickly becoming clear was the Republicans’ run to regain a majority in the US Senate. The party gained four seats, securing 53 of the 100 seats available.

What is still somewhat up in the air is the House of Representatives; it is expected that the Republicans will gain a foothold here as well. Of the currently called races, the GOP has 217 of the 435 seats available. The party will need 218 for a majority; 10 races are still yet to be called, but at least three of those are in heavily red districts.

The Countering CCP Drone Act passed the House in September and is now working its way through the Senate. With the elections changing plenty of seats in both houses, a law like this might be pushed to the side until the new Congress is sworn in.

With the Republicans regaining the majority, it is likely the bill will pass as it is and move to the White House for signing into law. President Trump has spoken of toughening relationships with China, including high tariffs, and with the law’s goal to strengthen U.S. drone companies, this has Trump written all over it.

DJI could sue the government, claiming that the law is unconstitutional or for another reason. The drone manufacturer is currently suing the Department of Defense for being listed as a “Chinese Military Company.”

This is where we bring in the final kicker for Republicans controlling all of government: the courts. While Democratically appointed federal judges (judges appointed by a Democratic president) do have a strong majority nationwide, the Supreme Court has a strong 6-3 Republican lean. It would be unlikely that any suit by DJI that made it to the Supreme Court would result in a decision made against the law.

While none of us recreational flyers would want to see this go through, especially since there is not a single option to replace it, except for another Chinese brand that could likely also be banned (Autel or Potensic), it might be a reality we will have to live with.