Huntsville Leader

WASHINGTON — Representative Dale W. Strong's legislation, H.R. 3357, the “Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act,” has been included in the Republican Study Committee's (RSC) Countering Communist China Act.

"The Chinese Communist Party is the one of the greatest national security threats facing the American people. From the Chinese production of fentanyl coming across our southern border to Chinese companies undermining U.S. trade, the 'Countering Communist China Act' rewrites American laws to better deal with this threat," said Representative Dale W. Strong.

Regarding the inclusion of his bill in the legislation, Strong stated, "This legislation will prohibit individuals associated with the governments of our foreign adversaries - including China, Iran, North Korea, and Russia - from purchasing or leasing American agricultural land—protecting our food, fiber and fuel supply chains."

Citing data from the United States Department of Agriculture, Strong highlighted the significant increase in Chinese investment in U.S. farmland, stating, "Chinese investment in U.S. farmland increased from $81 million in 2010 to $1.8 billion in 2020, much of which is in close proximity to sensitive national security sites. This presents an enormous threat not only to our food, fiber, and fuel markets, but also to our national security."

"We can no longer turn a blind eye to the threat that is posed by a lack of transparency and effective monitoring of who is growing, producing, and marketing our food safety and agriculture products. My bill and this RSC legislation address these threats directly," Strong emphasized.

In conclusion, Strong highlighted the importance of these protections, stating, "These protections are critical, both to ensure that every American is protected against foreign adversaries and to defend the interests of the millions of American families who make a living feeding our nation and world."