Government extends funding for counter-drone authority in China, resulting in increased crackdowns.

The government will be granted the authority to monitor and control unauthorized drones, as well as restrict U.S. investment in China, in order to prevent a government shutdown.

The CR, which funds the government until March 14, includes a provision to reauthorize a DHS program that enables agencies to coordinate and counter drone threats. This authority, enacted in 2018, was set to expire on Friday, coinciding with a surge in drone incursions concerns.

Congress has not yet passed legislation that would enhance the government's ability to detect drones and empower state and local law enforcement agencies to address unauthorized drones.

The Security Industry Association’s Counter-UAS Working Group, led by Brett Fedderson, is advocating for the public to be aware of the technology available to identify and socially mitigate drones.

"Despite the FBI, DHS, and DOJ's repeated requests for support from state and local law enforcement, Congress is not providing the necessary resources for them to effectively carry out their duties on the front lines."

"There is concern that a drone disaster may prompt them to gather at the table and make a decision to remove the authorities."

Since the drone phenomenon began in New Jersey a month ago, the FBI has received 6,000 tips about unmanned aerial systems (UAS) flying near military bases such as Picatinny Arsenal.

"Ryan Gury, CEO of military drone manufacturer PDW, stated that the concept of drone detection must be revised. He proposed an active approach that involves setting up radar and camera stations like cell towers to detect drones, rather than relying on listening to radio waves."

"Small drones possess immense power, and we must prepare for it. This is merely a brief preview of what lies ahead."

The NDAA includes a provision that prohibits the U.S. from investing in the development of military technologies.

Some China-based ventures are prohibited from receiving U.S. financing, and Americans are required to inform the government of their involvement in others.

The U.S. government regulates and oversees its investments in AI, computer chips, and quantum computing, which have applications in both defense and commercial industries.

The rule aims to restrict the access of countries of concern, such as China, including Hong Kong and Macao regions, to U.S. dollars for the development of advanced technologies like next-generation missile systems and fighter jets, which they can then use for their military purposes. This rule will become effective on January 2.

The U.S. government has condemned banks for investing billions of dollars of American money into Chinese firms that are believed to be used by the CCP to strengthen its military.

The new legislation extends the Treasury Department's rule on outbound investment in China and adds provisions for examining the national security risks associated with Chinese-made consumer routers and modems, as well as reviewing Chinese real estate purchases near military installations.

The FCC must disclose all companies with FCC licenses that are owned or partially owned by adversarial governments, such as China.

The CR, which was released on Tuesday night, is a temporary funding extension at 2024 levels that will provide lawmakers with additional time to reach a consensus on the funding for the remainder of 2025. This is the second such extension since the end of FY 2024 on September 30.

The 2025 budget is expected to pass both chambers, despite grumblings from both chambers, particularly among conservatives who want to cut costs.

Planet Chronicle' Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.