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House Republican introduces companion bill to end China''s buying of American farmland

House Republicans Push Companion Bill to Halt Chinese Purchases of U.S. Farmland Amid National Security Fears

In a bold move to safeguard America's agricultural heartland, House Republicans have introduced a companion bill aimed at prohibiting Chinese entities from acquiring U.S. farmland, escalating concerns over national security and foreign influence in the nation's food supply chain. The legislation, unveiled as an exclusive to Fox News, mirrors efforts in the Senate and reflects growing bipartisan anxiety about China's expanding footprint on American soil.

The bill, spearheaded by Rep. Dan Newhouse, R-Wash., and co-sponsored by a coalition of GOP lawmakers, seeks to amend existing laws to explicitly ban land purchases by companies or individuals tied to the Chinese government. This comes on the heels of a similar measure introduced in the Senate by Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., highlighting a coordinated Republican effort to address what they describe as a "clear and present danger" to U.S. sovereignty. Newhouse, who chairs the Congressional Western Caucus, emphasized in a statement that the initiative is not just about economics but about protecting the very foundation of American independence.

"China's aggressive acquisition of our farmland poses a direct threat to our national security and food independence," Newhouse told Fox News exclusively. "We cannot allow a foreign adversary to control the land that feeds our nation. This bill is a critical step in drawing a line in the sand and ensuring that American soil remains in American hands."

The push for this legislation stems from alarming reports of increasing Chinese investments in U.S. agriculture. According to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), foreign ownership of American farmland has surged in recent years, with Chinese entities holding over 380,000 acres as of the latest estimates. This includes high-profile purchases by companies like Smithfield Foods, which was acquired by the Chinese conglomerate WH Group in 2013, making it the largest pork producer in the U.S. Critics argue that such ownership could give Beijing leverage over food prices, supply chains, and even technological advancements in agriculture, potentially compromising U.S. interests during times of geopolitical tension.

Supporters of the bill point to broader patterns of Chinese economic expansionism, including the Belt and Road Initiative, which has seen China invest heavily in infrastructure and resources worldwide. In the U.S., this has manifested in farmland buys across states like Texas, North Carolina, and even strategic locations near military installations. A notable case involved the proposed purchase of land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota by a Chinese company, Fufeng Group, which raised red flags among lawmakers due to its proximity to sensitive drone and surveillance operations. That deal was ultimately scuttled amid public outcry, but it underscored the vulnerabilities at play.

Rep. Ashley Hinson, R-Iowa, a co-sponsor of the House bill, echoed these sentiments, drawing on her state's deep agricultural roots. "Iowa farmers are the backbone of our economy, and we won't stand by while foreign adversaries like China buy up our land and threaten our way of life," Hinson said. "This isn't protectionism; it's common-sense security. We've seen how China manipulates global markets, and we can't let that happen here."

The companion bill builds on existing frameworks like the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act (AFIDA), which requires foreign buyers to report purchases to the USDA. However, proponents argue that AFIDA lacks teeth, with enforcement often lax and penalties insufficient to deter large-scale acquisitions. The new legislation would go further by imposing outright bans on buyers from "countries of concern," a designation that includes China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea under current federal guidelines. It would also mandate stricter vetting processes for any foreign investments in agriculture, including reviews by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which already scrutinizes deals for national security risks.

This isn't the first time Congress has grappled with foreign land ownership. In recent years, states like Florida and Texas have enacted their own restrictions on Chinese real estate purchases, but federal action has been slower to materialize. The House bill's introduction follows a wave of congressional hearings and reports highlighting China's strategic use of economic tools to gain influence. A 2022 report from the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission warned that Chinese farmland ownership could enable espionage, intellectual property theft in agrotech, and disruptions to food security—issues that have gained urgency amid global supply chain disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine war.

Opponents of the bill, including some agricultural trade groups, caution that blanket bans could stifle legitimate foreign investment and harm U.S. farmers who benefit from international capital. The American Farm Bureau Federation has expressed mixed views, noting that while national security is paramount, overly restrictive policies might limit access to markets and innovation. "We need to balance protection with prosperity," a spokesperson for the group said in a recent statement. Democrats, meanwhile, have shown varying levels of support; some, like Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., have backed similar measures, indicating potential for bipartisan passage.

The timing of the bill's introduction is no coincidence, aligning with heightened U.S.-China tensions over issues like Taiwan, trade tariffs, and technology theft. President Biden's administration has ramped up scrutiny of Chinese investments, but Republicans argue that executive actions alone are insufficient without legislative backing. "We've seen the Biden administration drag its feet on this," said Rep. Newhouse. "It's time for Congress to step up and provide the tools needed to protect our homeland."

If passed, the bill could set a precedent for broader restrictions on foreign ownership in critical sectors, from energy to real estate. Experts predict a contentious debate in the House Agriculture Committee, where the measure is likely to be referred. With the 2024 election cycle looming, the issue could become a rallying point for conservatives emphasizing "America First" policies.

Beyond the immediate legislative battle, the bill taps into deeper American anxieties about globalization and self-reliance. Farmers in the Midwest, where much of the foreign-owned land is concentrated, have voiced frustration over rising land prices driven by international buyers, pricing out local operators. "It's not just about China; it's about preserving our heritage," said one Iowa farmer who spoke anonymously, fearing backlash from business partners.

As the bill moves forward, it will test the waters of congressional unity on foreign policy. Supporters hope it will garner swift approval, potentially attaching it to must-pass legislation like the Farm Bill reauthorization. Detractors warn of unintended consequences, such as retaliatory measures from China that could affect U.S. exports—China remains a top buyer of American soybeans and pork.

In the end, this companion bill represents more than a policy tweak; it's a statement of intent in an era of great-power competition. By aiming to end Chinese farmland purchases, House Republicans are drawing a firm boundary, asserting that some assets are too vital to be commodified on the global market. Whether it succeeds will depend on the political winds in Washington, but the debate it sparks is sure to resonate far beyond the Capitol's halls, touching on themes of security, sovereignty, and the soul of rural America.

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Read the Full Fox News Article at:
[ https://www.foxnews.com/politics/exclusive-house-gop-introduces-companion-bill-end-chinas-buying-american-farmland ]