Reps. Panetta and Jackson Reintroduce Legislation to Protect Agricultural Industry from Foreign Interference

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressmen Jimmy Panetta (CA-19), Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) reintroduced the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act which would combat foreign interference in the American agricultural industry by making reforms to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). These reforms would protect American land from nefarious activity by adversaries, such as China. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) and Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) introduced companion legislation in the U.S. Senate.

Panetta said: "Foreign control of American farmland and businesses poses a risk to our national security and food supply chain," said Rep. Panetta. "That's why I'm proud to co-lead the bipartisan FARM Act, which ensures our agriculture industry is recognized as critical infrastructure and strengthens oversight of foreign investments. By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, we can better safeguard our farmland, protect our farmers, and secure our food system for future generations."

Jackson said: "America's agricultural industry is no exception to the increasing national security threats our country faces. Biden's failed leadership allowed unchecked foreign influence, particularly from the Chinese Communist Party, to interfere with and attempt to control our food supply chain. Representing Texas's top agricultural-producing district, I am committed to ensuring our nation's food production remains free from foreign manipulation. This is why I am proud to reintroduce the FARM Act, putting America first and ensuring that our agricultural industry remains robust, secure, and free from foreign interference. Thank you to Senator Tuberville for leading companion legislation in the Senate, and we hope this bipartisan legislation, which is crucial to our food security, will move forward quickly to President Trump's desk."

Tuberville said: "Over the last decade, we've seen a surge of American farmland purchases from our foreign adversaries," said Senator Tuberville. "These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing, to packaging and shipping. Food security is national security, and we cannot allow our adversaries to have a foot in the door to our critical supply chains. We must prioritize oversight of foreign investment in our food supply chains, especially from Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran. This starts with giving the agriculture community a permanent seat at the table on CFIUS. As Alabama's voice on the Senate Ag Committee, I will keep fighting to secure our ag supply chains so that our agriculture community can continue to put food on the table for America's families."

Sessions said: "Foreign investment in the American agriculture industry continues to grow at a rapid pace. A large percentage of this land is owned by Chinese Communist Party (CCP) backed investments, which poses a large national security risk, as it affords China the opportunity to undermine our food and investment industries. The United States farmland is a critical piece of infrastructure and should continue to be recognized as such. Our food insecurity is a matter of national security. The FARM Act will give us the opportunity to better combat maligned foreign investments in agriculture and protect the American people. I am proud to stand next to my fellow members of Congress during this renewed effort to secure American interests."

Gonzalez said: "Now more than ever, it is important that we safeguard American supply chains. The FARM Act would empower us to better monitor foreign investment for national security risks. I am proud to join my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to protect American agriculture and our food supply chain."

Texas Farm Bureau President Russell Boening said: "Texas Farm Bureau (TFB) applauds Sen. Tommy Tuberville and U.S. Congressman Ronny Jackson for introducing the FARM Act," said TFB President Russell Boening. "As Texas has experienced a surge of foreign investors buying agricultural land, it is critical to provide proper oversight to ensure our national security. We are pleased this bill accomplishes this goal, while in-turn protecting private property rights of landowners who wish to sell their property. TFB appreciates these Congressional leaders for their steadfast leadership on this issue, and we look forward to working with them to secure passage of this bipartisan legislation."

The bill text can be found here.

Representatives Ryan Zinke (MT-01), Ron Estes (KS-04), Brad Finstad (MN-01), Ashley Hinson (IA-02), Mary Miller (IL-15), Jim Costa (CA-21), Pat Fallon (TX-04), Mark Messmer (IN-08), John Rose (TN-06), Randy Weber (TX-14), Dusty Johnson (SD-AL), and Dan Newhouse (WA-04) and Delegate James Moylan (GU-AL) cosponsored Congressman Jackson's legislation.

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