Bipartisan Bill Aims to Safeguard US Agriculture Supply Chains from Chinese Threats

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Safeguard US Agriculture Supply Chains from Chinese Threats

FIRST ON FOX: Representative Ashley Hinson and Senator Pete Ricketts are announcing a bipartisan initiative to enhance the security of agriculture supply chains in the United States. This new legislation seeks to shield these vital supply chains from vulnerabilities and potential exploitation by the Chinese Communist Party.

Hinson, a Republican from Iowa, will introduce the Securing American Agriculture Act in the House of Representatives. Meanwhile, Ricketts, a Republican from Nebraska, will present the same bill in the Senate.

The Securing American Agriculture Act compels the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to perform an annual assessment aimed at identifying vulnerabilities within the supply chain, gaps in domestic production, and any risks of exploitation by the Chinese Communist Party.

Key Provisions of the Securing American Agriculture Act

This legislation is designed to direct the Secretary of Agriculture to propose strategies that would strengthen U.S. agricultural self-reliance and lessen China’s influence in this critical sector. By mitigating potential threats, the bill strives to ensure that the USDA accurately assesses the United States’ dependence on China for essential agricultural inputs. Moreover, it aims to ensure that American producers maintain sufficient access to these resources.

“China has strategically captured a significant share of America’s agricultural inputs, which are crucial to our food supply chain, thereby giving leverage to our greatest adversary,” Hinson explained in an interview. “Farmers in Iowa have expressed concerns that if China were to cut off access to these critical inputs, our food production would face serious jeopardy. I’m proud to be reintroducing this bipartisan bill that highlights and counters China’s grip on our agricultural inputs to fortify domestic manufacturing and food security.”

Hinson underscored the need to reclaim the U.S. agriculture supply chain and asserted, “Plain and simple: We should bring our agriculture supply chain home.”

Ricketts echoed these sentiments, stating, “The control that Communist China has over essential sectors of our food and agricultural supply chains poses a significant national security risk.”

According to Ricketts, losing access to critical inputs could diminish agricultural productivity, raise food prices, and undermine food security. He emphasized that this legislation aims to reinforce and protect these vital supply chains while decreasing reliance on foreign adversaries.

Bipartisan Support for Agricultural Security

The bill has garnered bipartisan backing, including support from House China Committee Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois. He highlighted the importance of this legislative measure as a critical step towards safeguarding America’s food supply and the livelihoods of farmers from foreign adversaries, particularly the Chinese Communist Party, which threatens agricultural security.

“America’s farmers form the backbone of our economy, and we must provide them with the necessary resources and protections to compete effectively while securing our agricultural supply chains,” Krishnamoorthi asserted.

The bill has also attracted support from several prominent lawmakers. These include House China Committee Chairman John Moolenaar, a Republican from Michigan; Representatives Jill Tokuda, a Democrat from Hawaii; Sharice Davids, a Democrat from Kansas; and Scott Franklin, a Republican from Florida.

In the Senate, backing extends from various members, including Senator Elissa Slotkin, a Democrat, and Republican Senators James Risch from Idaho, Shelley Moore Capito from West Virginia, Eric Schmitt from Missouri, Mike Crapo from Idaho, Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming, Deb Fischer from Nebraska, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso from Wyoming.

Highlighting the Importance of Food Security

Senator Slotkin contended that food security equates to national security. She stated, “We need to treat threats to our food supply chain with the same seriousness as any other security issue. This legislation requires us to assess those risks to protect our food supply. Ultimately, we must ensure that America’s agriculture supply chain remains secure and rooted here at home.”

In summary, the Securing American Agriculture Act represents a crucial avenue for American lawmakers to unite in addressing vulnerabilities in the agricultural sector. Strengthening domestic supply chains against foreign control not only safeguards essential resources but also supports national security and food independence. Lawmakers are calling for a proactive approach to identify risks and bolster an industry that significantly impacts the U.S. economy and food production.

Looking Ahead: The Future of US Agriculture

As agricultural security becomes an increasing concern, the movement behind the Securing American Agriculture Act highlights a growing recognition of the importance of self-sufficiency in critical industries. Lawmakers are taking the necessary steps to ensure that U.S. agriculture remains robust and less susceptible to foreign threats.

The proposed measures seek to establish a framework where American farmers and producers can thrive without the looming uncertainty posed by reliance on foreign adversaries. By fortifying the supply chain and addressing vulnerabilities proactively, this legislation sets out to build a more resilient agricultural landscape for future generations.