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Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2025

3/22/2025, 8:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 1576

Bill 119 HR 1576, also known as the "Foreign Investment in Agriculture Act," aims to make changes to the Defense Production Act of 1950 in relation to foreign investments in US agriculture. The bill seeks to address concerns about the potential national security risks posed by foreign entities acquiring or investing in American agricultural assets.

Specifically, the bill includes provisions that would require foreign investors to undergo a thorough national security review before being allowed to invest in US agriculture. This review process would assess the potential risks and implications of foreign ownership or control of agricultural assets, with the goal of safeguarding American food security and agricultural infrastructure.

Additionally, the bill includes measures to enhance transparency and accountability in foreign investments in US agriculture. This includes requirements for foreign investors to disclose information about their investments and operations in the agricultural sector, as well as provisions for increased oversight and monitoring of foreign-owned agricultural assets. Overall, the Foreign Investment in Agriculture Act aims to strengthen national security protections in the agricultural sector and ensure that foreign investments in US agriculture do not compromise American food security or agricultural independence.

Congressional Summary of HR 1576

Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2025

This bill makes changes to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), including by requiring CFIUS to determine whether a national security review is necessary for reportable agricultural land transactions that are referred by the Department of Agriculture (USDA). (CFIUS oversees the national security risks of certain foreign investment in the United States. CFIUS has the authority to review covered transactions, which include mergers, acquisitions, and takeovers that could result in foreign control of a U.S. business; certain investments in businesses involved in critical technologies, critical infrastructure, or sensitive personal data; and certain real estate transactions.)

Specifically, the bill directs CFIUS to, after receiving notification from USDA, determine (1) whether a reportable agricultural land transaction is a covered transaction, and (2) whether CFIUS should initiate a national security review or take another action with respect to the transaction. 

Reportable agricultural land transaction means a transaction (1) that USDA has reason to believe is a covered transaction; (2) that involves the acquisition of an interest in agricultural land by a foreign person of China, North Korea, Russia, or Iran; and (3) with respect to which a foreign person is required to submit a report to USDA regarding their agricultural land transactions.

The bill also expands the membership of CFIUS to include the Secretary of Agriculture for covered transactions that involve agricultural land, agricultural biotechnology, or the agriculture industry (e.g., agricultural transportation, storage, and processing).

Current Status of Bill HR 1576

Bill HR 1576 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since February 25, 2025. Bill HR 1576 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 25, 2025.  Bill HR 1576's most recent activity was Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, 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 25, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1576

Total Number of Sponsors
9
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
9
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
310
Democrat Cosponsors
14
Republican Cosponsors
296
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1576

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1576

To amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 with respect to foreign investments in United States agriculture, and for other purposes.
To amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 with respect to foreign investments in United States agriculture, and for other purposes.

Comments

Mallory Bowman profile image

Mallory Bowman

523

9 months ago

Ugh, can you believe this bill? It's like they want to sell off our agriculture to the highest bidder! This is just going to hurt American farmers and consumers in the long run. And don't even get me started on the other "purposes" they mention. It's all just a big mess. Did you know that this bill could potentially allow foreign investors to control a significant portion of our agricultural industry? Crazy, right? #HRBill1576 #AgricultureInvestments #NotCool OR This bill is a disaster waiting to happen. #HRBill1576 #AgricultureInvestments