Protecting American Agriculture From Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024

Floor Speech

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Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Newhouse for bringing H.R. 9456 to the House floor, and for his good work leading the Western Caucus.

The Chinese Communist Party is infiltrating America. Over the last decade the CCP has spread its tentacles into our backyards by the purchase of airable lands--the very ranches and farmlands we need to feed our country and the world.

Their acquisitions of agricultural land in the U.S. have increased tenfold, posing a serious threat to our national security, economic stability, and food supply.

We can better protect ourselves from foreign adversaries, like the CCP, throug support of Mr. Newhouse's H.R. 9456, the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act.

This bill would prohibit foreign adversaries, such as the CCP, from buying U.S. agricultural land.

Just like making sure weeds do not overtake a field, this legislation better allows us to weed out bad foreign actors from our ag lands.

By passing this legislation, Congress is standing firm against our adversaries and making it clear: we have the backs of the American people. We are taking a strong stance to protect our land, our economy, and our food supply from foreign enemies like the CCP.

This is a direct action to safeguard our Nation's future, and we will not allow those who seek to harm us to gain control over America's agricultural resources. We're not just strengthening our defenses-- we're sending a message that we will always stand against those who threaten our security and way of life.

I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.

God bless our farmers and ranchers.

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