The U.S. Senate is considering legislation aimed at restricting foreign ownership of agricultural land near military installations, particularly targeting entities from nations considered "covered countries," such as China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. The proposed legislation, known as the PASS Act, is spearheaded by Senator Mike Rounds, a Republican from South Dakota, and has garnered bipartisan support, including backing from Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto of Nevada.
The PASS Act aims to prevent foreign ownership of farmland in proximity to military bases and critical sites, enhancing the authority of the Department of Agriculture. Under this legislation, the department could refer cases to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. (CFIUS) for review if national security concerns arise. Additionally, the Secretary of Agriculture would gain a voting role within CFIUS regarding agricultural land transactions.
As of last year, Chinese entities owned approximately 350,000 acres of farmland across the United States, while foreign ownership accounted for nearly 2% of U.S. agricultural land. Recent purchases by companies like the Fufeng Group, which acquired land near a North Dakota Air Force base for a corn milling facility, have raised alarms about potential national security risks.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins emphasized the importance of addressing Chinese farmland acquisitions near military bases, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding security breaches by foreign nationals. This move aligns with previous calls, including a national security memorandum from former President Donald Trump, which advocated for countermeasures against Chinese land purchases. The proposed legislation aims to bolster national security, protect the U.S. food supply, and safeguard rural economies from foreign adversaries.