Senate blocks China’s purchase of US farmland.
The Senate Takes Action to Protect American Agricultural Land from Foreign Adversaries
The Senate made a significant move on Tuesday by overwhelmingly voting to include an amendment in the annual national defense bill. This amendment aims to prevent foreign adversaries from purchasing American agricultural land in the future. The bipartisan vote of 91-7 demonstrates a united front in safeguarding national security.
Concerns Over Foreign Ownership of American Farmland
Sens. Jon Tester (D-MT) and Mike Rounds (R-SD) introduced the amendment in response to growing concerns about countries like China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran acquiring U.S. farmland. Reports have highlighted the potential national security risks posed by foreign ownership, particularly when it occurs near military installations.
“In recent years, our country has seen firsthand attempts by our near-peer competitors to acquire land adjacent to our military bases,” said Rounds. He cited a specific example from 2022, where a Chinese government-linked company attempted to purchase a large plot of land near a crucial military drone base in North Dakota. This incident underscores the urgent need for the amendment.
The proposed amendment would grant the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) the authority to review significant foreign investments in agriculture. By utilizing data from the Department of Agriculture, the committee would be able to assess the security implications of these investments. Additionally, the amendment empowers the committee to prevent future purchases of farmland by foreign adversaries.
“As a third-generation farmer, I know that food security is national security,” emphasized Tester. “Allowing our foreign adversaries like China to invest in American ag land and agribusinesses threatens American businesses and puts our food security and national security at risk.”
Similar Efforts and the Growing Concern
Sens. Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) introduced a bill earlier this year that aligns with the amendment’s objectives. Their bill calls for a review of any purchase or lease by a foreign entity that exceeds 320 acres of land valued at more than $5 million. The senators argue that current U.S. laws lack sufficient oversight regarding foreign adversaries’ farmland acquisitions and their locations.
“America is not for sale. There is no ignoring that China is in our own backyard and buying up land near our critical military installations,” declared Ernst. “I have worked to close the loopholes that have allowed the Chinese Communist Party to encroach on our farmland, and today I am proud to see those efforts are helping to strengthen our national security and combat our foreign adversaries. As Iowa farmers know, food security is national security.”
According to the Department of Agriculture, foreign ownership of U.S. land has nearly doubled in the past decade. Canadian investors currently own 31% or 12.8 million acres, while China holds less than 1% with just over 380,000 acres of foreign-owned land.
At the state level, an increasing number of lawmakers have been working to ban foreign ownership of farmland, particularly by China. Florida recently joined at least seven other states in passing bills to address this issue in their state legislatures.
Senate Majority Leader Urges Support for the Amendment
Earlier on Tuesday, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) urged his colleagues to vote in favor of the amendment. He emphasized that any concerns could be addressed during the conference process, highlighting the Senate’s commitment to productive work on national defense.
“I appreciate the cooperation of senators on both sides as we work to lock in these votes,” stated Schumer. “We have a chance to show the American people that the Senate can work productively on our national defense, in stark contrast to the partisan race to the bottom that we saw over in the House.”
The Senate’s resounding support for this amendment reflects a shared commitment to protecting American agricultural land from foreign adversaries. By taking proactive measures, the Senate aims to ensure both food security and national security for the United States.
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