WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Senators Jim Banks (R-Ind.) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) introduced the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act, which would prohibit the sale of U.S. agricultural land to any individual or entity tied to the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia. U.S. Representative Dale Strong (R-Ala.-05) also introduced companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Senator Jim Banks: “Food security is national security. Leaving America’s basic needs vulnerable to extortion by foreign control is not an option. This bill prevents foreign adversaries, including communist China, from owning American farmland in Indiana and across the U.S.—a no-brainer. Proud to lead this effort alongside Senator Tuberville and Rep. Strong.”
Senator Tommy Tuberville: “For too long, we’ve sat by while foreign nations have been trying to take over our nation’s agricultural industry. Our adversaries are always looking for any way to get their foot in the door and jeopardize our national security—including our agricultural assets. There’s no reason why foreign adversaries should be allowed to buy American farmland. Not only is it dangerous for our farmers, but it’s disastrous for our national security. It’s past time to take action to protect our American farmers and consumers from threats to our food security. I’m proud to reintroduce this legislation with Senator Banks, and will continue fighting to protect America’s farmland and put our farmers and producers first.”
Representative Dale Strong: “Chinese investment in U.S. farmland, much of which is in close proximity to sensitive national security sites, presents an enormous threat not only to our food, fiber, and fuel markets but also to our national security. As the CCP, Iran, Russia, and North Korea look to exploit weaknesses in our free and open society, it is our responsibility to ensure that the American people are protected against those who seek to undermine our national interest,”
Key Provisions of the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act:
- Restrict foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land, forests, and timberland by Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia,
- Prohibit participation in certain U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs for individuals from Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia,
- Close loopholes to ensure adequate reporting of foreign owned U.S. agricultural land,
- Establish a federal tax lien if a violation occurs and amend civil penalties,
- Establish more in-depth public data sets through online database,
- Require USDA, Department of National Intelligence (DNI), and Government Accountability Office (GAO) to submit individual reports to Congress.
Full bill text can be found here.
Background:
Last year, then-Senator-elect Banks authored this piece on protecting Indiana farmland from foreign buyers.
In part he wrote: “Hoosier farmers are the fifth largest producers of corn and soybean in the country and as the representative for northeast Indiana during the past eight years, it has been an honor to represent many of them in Congress. Farmers are the backbone of our nation. Their long hours and hard work not only put food on our plates but protects America’s national security.”
Additionally, as a Member of the House of Representatives, then-Congressman Banks co-wrote a letter with then-Senator Braun in support of Rep. Kendell Culp’s (R-Rensselaer) bill to protect Hoosier agricultural land.
Sen. Braun (R-Ind.) introduced the Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act in 2023.