Risch, Lankford Introduce Bill to Protect American Farmland from Bad Actors

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) today introduced the Security and Oversight of International Landholdings (SOIL) Act to enhance oversight and transparency over foreign purchases of American agricultural land that threaten national security.

"America has some of the best farmland in the world, and it would be a grave mistake to allow Communist China to take ownership of this valuable resource," said Risch. "The SOIL Act will provide strict guidance and oversight to prevent bad actors, like China and Russia, from purchasing our agricultural land-particularly land near U.S. military installations."

"China continues to buy up American farm land, steal our patents, and expand their authoritarian world view. America will demonstrate to the world our values and maintain our economic and military strength to assure the globe has the best opportunity for freedom. No one in China should doubt America's resolve and commitment to liberty," said Lankford.

The SOIL Act deters criminal investment in US agriculture by:

• Requiring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review agriculture real estate purchases by certain foreign entities;

• Banning federal assistance for certain foreign-held real estate holdings; and

• Broadening disclosure requirements for land purchases made by foreign entities.

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