Staff Reports
In a stunning display of bipartisan unity, the Senate voted overwhelmingly in favor of an amendment that would significantly restrict the purchase of U.S. farmland and land near military bases by foreign adversaries. The vote, which was an impressive 91-7 in favor, sends a clear message that legislators from both sides of the aisle understand the national security risks associated with adversarial nations like China acquiring American land.
The amendment, if finalized in the 2024 National Defense Authorization Act, would involve adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Under this amendment, CFIUS would be required to review all substantial land sales in the U.S. by foreign individuals and entities, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. It also includes a provision for a presidential waiver on a case-by-case basis, but with the requirement that the president explains why such a waiver was granted within 30 days.
The Senate voted overwhelmingly to include an amendment to prevent future purchases of American agricultural land by foreign adversaries to the must-pass annual national defense bill on Tuesday.
The vote passed with bipartisan support 91-7.https://t.co/9KzMYXNbQF
— under fire (@underfi07945126) July 26, 2023
Support for the amendment was strong, with Senators Mike Rounds (R-SD) and Jon Tester (D-MT) leading the charge. Both Senators highlighted the importance of safeguarding America’s food security and national security. Rounds emphasized the malicious intentions of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea, stating that they see America as their top competitor and are actively seeking to exploit our resources. Tester, a third-generation farmer himself, understands the potential threats foreign adversaries pose to American agribusinesses and food security.
The introduction of this amendment bears a striking similarity to a standalone bipartisan bill introduced earlier this year by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). Their bill would mandate CFIUS review for significant purchases of real estate by foreign individuals or entities valued at more than $5 million or containing over 320 acres. Both Senators stressed the crucial link between food security and national security, with Ernst specifically calling out China’s attempts to exploit vulnerabilities in the agricultural industry.
By passing this amendment, the Senate has taken a crucial step in protecting our nation’s farmland and food supply. The threat of China encroaching on land near critical military installations cannot be ignored. Senator Ernst rightly pointed out that “America is not for sale.” It is high time we close the loopholes that have allowed China’s land grab and send a strong message that our national security will not be compromised.
With the must-pass nature of the annual NDAA, there is strong likelihood that this amendment will become law. While it may not entirely eradicate the practice of adversarial nations purchasing American land, it will certainly place significant restraints on this troubling trend. It is vital that we prioritize our national security and safeguard our resources from those who seek to undermine our position as the leading global power.
In the end, this bipartisan effort serves as a reminder that when it comes to protecting our nation’s interests, party lines can and should be put aside. Our lawmakers have demonstrated that they have the will to take action in the face of foreign threats, and that is a commendable achievement.
