Joco Today

U.S. Senator Roger Marshall has introduced a bill aimed at bolstering national security by adding the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). The legislation, named the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act, seeks to prevent foreign interference in American agriculture.

CFIUS is responsible for reviewing foreign investments and acquisitions of U.S. companies to assess any potential threats to national security. This proposed legislation mandates that the Secretary of Agriculture report transactions that may pose a risk, particularly those involving countries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

“Food Security is national security, and it’s high time that we start recognizing this before it is too late,” said Senator Marshall. “The Secretary of Agriculture needs a seat at the table when the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States is considering foreign agricultural investments.”

The bill has garnered bipartisan support with Senators John Barrasso, Todd Young, Tammy Baldwin, and Deb Fischer cosponsoring it.

Senator Barrasso stated: “The Chinese Communist Party has proven over and over again they cannot be trusted... Senator Marshall’s legislation will help protect America’s farms and safeguard our food supply.”

Senator Young emphasized Indiana's proactive stance but noted Congress's role: “Recent efforts by China and other adversaries to buy agricultural land across the country could present a national security threat.”

Senator Baldwin highlighted Wisconsin's farming significance: “They’re not just about food; they’re about people’s livelihoods... I’m proud to work with Democratic and Republican colleagues to protect our farmers.”

Senator Fischer pointed out potential risks: “Allowing our adversaries to have any form of control over our food supply is a dangerous game... Our commonsense legislation will protect America’s interests.”

In parallel legislative action, Representative Dan Newhouse introduced similar legislation in the House. He remarked: “The Chinese Communist Party is our most formidable adversary... We must prevent the CCP from purchasing land near federal property.”

Foreign investment in U.S. agriculture has seen significant growth recently. USDA data indicates foreign investors own approximately 45 million acres of U.S. agricultural land as of December 2023—a sharp increase since previous years.

Kansas alone accounts for over 1.3 million acres with foreign interest according to recent reports.

Currently, CFIUS does not directly consider agriculture when evaluating foreign investments related to national security concerns.