Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025

Hozzl · 2025-03-13T09:23:23Z

Explore the details of House Bill 1438 Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

3/13/2025, 9:23 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1438

Bill 119 hr 1438, also known as the "Protecting American Farms and Farmland Act," aims to prevent individuals associated with certain foreign governments from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States. The bill is designed to safeguard American farmland and food security by restricting foreign ownership and control of agricultural assets.

Under this legislation, individuals with ties to countries that pose a national security risk, such as China, Russia, and Iran, would be prohibited from acquiring agricultural land in the US. The bill also includes provisions to enhance transparency and oversight of foreign investments in American agriculture.

Supporters of the bill argue that limiting foreign ownership of agricultural land is essential to protect American farmers and ensure the long-term sustainability of the nation's food supply. They believe that allowing foreign entities to control large swaths of farmland could jeopardize national security and economic stability. Opponents of the bill, however, raise concerns about potential negative impacts on international trade and investment. They argue that restricting foreign ownership of agricultural land could lead to retaliatory measures from other countries and hinder US efforts to promote global food security. Overall, Bill 119 hr 1438 seeks to strike a balance between protecting American interests and maintaining a competitive and open agricultural market. The bill is currently under consideration in Congress and has sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders in the agriculture industry.

Congressional Summary of HR 1438

Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025

This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.

Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.

A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.

Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.

The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.

The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.

Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.

Read the Full Bill

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Current Status of Bill HR 1438

Bill HR 1438 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 18, 2025. Bill HR 1438 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 18, 2025. Bill HR 1438's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Intelligence (Permanent Select), for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned. as of February 18, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1438

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1438

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Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1438

To prohibit the purchase or lease of agricultural land in the United States by persons associated with certain foreign governments, and for other purposes.