SE Wyoming News

Senate Western Caucus Chair Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) has joined Senator Mike Braun (R-IN) and 15 colleagues in introducing the bipartisan Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024. This legislation aims to increase oversight and flag agricultural land purchases made by foreign adversaries, specifically targeting acquisitions by China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran.

"The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has invaded the west through farmland acquisition threatening the livelihood and safety of Wyoming residents. Food security is national security, and our country must prioritize keeping American farmland out of the hands of our enemies," said Sen. Lummis.

"Chinese ownership of American farmland increased more than 20-fold in the past decade. The amount of American soil in the hands of our foreign adversaries will only go up if we do not implement restrictions and oversight, especially on nations that compromise our national security and agricultural supply chains. I’m proud to lead this effort to protect American farms and food security," said Sen. Braun.

"The Chinese Communist Party has proven over and over again they cannot be trusted. They are our adversary, not our ally. All Americans should be alarmed by the amount of American farmland China and other foreign entities own. Giving our adversaries any control over our agricultural resources is a direct threat to our national and food security. Senator Braun’s legislation will help protect America’s farms and safeguard our food supply," said Sen. Barrasso.

The legislation is also cosponsored by Senators John Barrasso (R-WY), Tom Cotton (R-AR), Roger Marshall (R-KS), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Pete Ricketts (R-NE), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Joni Ernst (R-IA), all members of the Senate Western Caucus.

The House passed a companion bill introduced by Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) earlier this week.