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EXCLUSIVE: House Republicans are intensifying efforts to combat the increasing influence of the Chinese Communist Party over American farmland.
Rep. Mary Miller, a Republican from Illinois, announced her intention to introduce companion legislation to Missouri Senator Josh Hawley’s “Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act” on Thursday morning. This legislation, referred to as H.R. 840, is a part of the broader “Saving American Farms from Adversaries Act.”
The proposed bill is aligned with the growing GOP initiative aimed at preventing the CCP from acquiring U.S. farmland and housing.
“Prized American land should not be available for purchase by our enemies,” Miller declared in a statement, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding American resources.
Miller further stated, “The Chinese Communist Party represents a significant threat to our national security. Their aggressive attempts to control our farmland and housing demonstrate a direct assault on our sovereignty. It is imperative that we reclaim our control and ensure America’s food supply and communities remain in American hands—where they rightfully belong.”
This legislative push arises amid increasing tensions regarding Beijing’s expanding presence in American real estate and markets.
Data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture highlights that Chinese entities currently own approximately 265,000 acres of American agricultural land. This alarming statistic has raised concerns among lawmakers and the public.
A USDA spokesperson noted that foreign adversaries have exploited U.S. farmland for too long. While the USDA lacks the authority to prevent such purchases, the Department is striving to improve the accuracy of reporting foreign-owned farmland. This information is essential for enabling informed policy decisions at all levels of government.
Miller’s proposal closely mirrors the Senate version introduced by Hawley. The legislation would prohibit Chinese businesses and individuals associated with the CCP from acquiring or leasing any agricultural land within the United States.
Hawley stated, “China’s ownership of American farmland threatens our national interests directly. We can never allow our greatest adversary access to our vital resources, including housing. This is why I am reintroducing legislation designed to protect American assets from the CCP.”
The legislation would impose a two-year ban on purchases of U.S. residential real estate by these same Chinese entities, with a provision allowing the president to extend this ban every two years. Those who currently possess such properties would be required to divest within one year after the bill’s enactment.
To ensure compliance, the legislation includes substantial civil penalties, amounting to $100 per acre per day for illegal agricultural acquisitions, and $1,000 per day for violations concerning residential real estate. Criminal offenses could incur penalties of up to five years in prison.
Any land obtained in violation of this proposed legislation would be subject to forfeiture and subsequently sold at public auction.
Additionally, the bill would invalidate non-compete agreements associated with foreign agricultural employers and establish dedicated compliance offices within the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce to oversee the enforcement of these regulations.
The legislation empowers the attorney general to seize assets and pursue court orders to enforce compliance. Miller’s advocacy corresponds with former President Donald Trump’s newly initiated “National Farm Security Action Plan,” spearheaded by officials including Brooke Rollins, Pete Hegseth, Pam Bondi, and Kristi Noem.
This action plan aims to safeguard U.S. food systems and farmland from what Trump has characterized as “foreign exploitation.”
Miller’s bill is set to be introduced on Friday, supported by a coalition of twelve Republican co-sponsors. The representatives backing this initiative include Pat Harrigan, Ralph Norman, Paul Gosar, Bob Onder, Marlin Stutzman, Tim Burchett, Randy Weber, Tom Tiffany, Andy Harris, Tony Wied, Michael Rulli, and Eli Crane.
Last week, Hawley also introduced his Senate version of the bill, which similarly seeks to restrict both farmland and residential properties, covering homes, condominiums, and land used for housing development.
Since her election to Congress in 2021, Miller has prioritized the issue of foreign land ownership. In January 2022, she collaborated with Representative Louie Gohmert from Texas to launch the “National Security Moratorium on Foreign Purchases of U.S. Land.” This focus aims to secure American assets from foreign dominance.
As the legislative process unfolds, many are closely watching the developments concerning this significant issue. The outcomes of these efforts could have lasting implications for American agriculture and national security.
