PASS Act

Bill 119 s 903, also known as the "Agricultural Security Act," aims to amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 by requiring the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review and potentially prohibit certain transactions related to agriculture.

The bill specifically targets transactions that could pose a threat to national security by allowing foreign entities to gain control over critical agricultural infrastructure or resources. This includes farmland, food processing facilities, and agricultural technology companies.

Under the proposed legislation, CFIUS would have the authority to review and block any foreign investment or acquisition that is deemed to be a risk to the United States' food security or agricultural independence. This is in response to growing concerns about foreign entities, particularly those with ties to adversarial nations, gaining control over key aspects of the American food supply chain. Supporters of the bill argue that safeguarding the nation's agricultural sector is crucial for national security, as disruptions in the food supply chain could have far-reaching consequences. However, critics raise concerns about the potential impact on foreign investment in the agricultural industry and the need to balance national security with economic interests. Overall, Bill 119 s 903 represents a significant effort to strengthen protections for the American agricultural sector and ensure that critical resources remain under domestic control. It will be interesting to see how this legislation progresses through Congress and what impact it may have on the agricultural industry in the United States.