The bipartisan Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security, or PASS Act was recently introduced in both the U.S. House and Senate.  Supporters of the legislation say it will protect U.S. national security by preventing foreign adversaries from taking any ownership or control of agricultural land and businesses in the United States.  The bill will also ensure the USDA is fully involved in reviewing any acquisition of American companies by foreign adversaries that could affect the agricultural sector.

 

Specifically, China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea are prohibited from buying agricultural land and companies in the U.S.  The PASS Act also adds the Ag Secretary as a standing member of the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment.

 

Congressman Rick Crawford, a co-sponsor, says, “Reports of entities ultimately controlled by the Chinese Communist Party buying American farmland and agricultural companies validate the need for a more proactive posture in protecting our agriculture sector from foreign threats.”

 

Congressman Jim Costa said protecting the food supply is a national security issue.

 

Click Here to learn more about the PASS Act.

 

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-9791, or e-mail glenn.vaagen@townsquaremedia.com 

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