Stefanik and Crawford Reintroduce Bill to Secure U.S. Agriculture

Congresswoman Elise Stefanik of New York and Rick Crawford, Chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, have reintroduced the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security Act (PASS Act) in an effort to bolster national security by restricting foreign adversaries from acquiring U.S. agricultural land and businesses. This legislative move aims to prevent countries such as Communist China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from undermining American food security and gaining access to sensitive military sites.

In a statement released from Saratoga, New York, Stefanik expressed her concerns regarding the increasing trend of foreign adversaries purchasing U.S. agricultural properties. She emphasized, “Food security is national security, and I am proud to reintroduce this legislation that will stand up against our foreign adversaries as they attempt to assert control over our agriculture industry.”

Legislative Goals and Implications

The PASS Act aims to involve the U.S. Department of Agriculture in the review process for any foreign acquisitions of American agricultural land and businesses. It seeks to establish a blacklist of foreign adversaries, effectively barring them from owning U.S. agricultural assets. Stefanik pointed out that allowing foreign control, especially in proximity to military installations, poses a significant risk to national security.

“The United States cannot allow malign ownership bids of American assets by these adversaries to undermine the efforts of our farmers, whose hard work feeds and fuels our communities,” she stated. The congresswoman’s remarks highlight a growing concern among lawmakers about the implications of foreign investment in critical sectors.

The reintroduction of the PASS Act comes at a time of heightened scrutiny regarding foreign investments in the U.S. agricultural sector. In recent years, there has been an observable increase in the acquisition of American farmland by foreign entities, prompting calls for legislative measures to protect domestic interests.

Broader Context of National Security

Stefanik’s concerns are not isolated; they reflect a broader apprehension among U.S. policymakers regarding foreign influence in essential industries. Agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy and national security, making it a focal point for legislative action aimed at safeguarding American resources.

As the U.S. navigates complex international relations, ensuring that agricultural assets remain under domestic control is seen as vital. The PASS Act not only aims to protect food supply security but also seeks to reinforce the resilience of the American agricultural industry against potential threats from foreign adversaries.

With the PASS Act reintroduced, Stefanik and Crawford anticipate garnering bipartisan support for the initiative. As discussions continue in Congress, the implications of this legislation could have lasting effects on the landscape of U.S. agriculture and its role in national security.