Southwest Montana News

In response to a recently published report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) regarding foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land, Congressman Matt Rosendale (MT-02) expressed his concerns about the national security risks posed by foreign ownership of American land.

According to the GAO report, foreign investment in U.S. agricultural land reached approximately 40 million acres in 2021. The report also highlighted the potential dangers when foreign interests acquire land near U.S. military installations. Rep. Rosendale emphasized the seriousness of this issue, stating, "Foreign ownership of American land poses a serious threat to our way of life and public safety."

Rep. Rosendale has been actively advocating for legislation to address this issue. He stated, "This report is another reason why Congress must pass my legislation that prohibits foreign adversaries like the Chinese Communist Party from owning our prized agricultural land."

The congressman introduced the Land and National Defense (LAND) Act on December 4, 2023, to protect American farmland from foreign adversaries and land near military bases. The LAND Act aims to implement the same restrictions and limitations that Americans face when purchasing agricultural land in other countries for foreign buyers of U.S. agricultural land. It also establishes that a foreigner with multiple citizenships is subject to the laws of the more restrictive country of their citizenship. Additionally, the act ensures that foreign companies seeking to buy U.S. agricultural land are subject to the most restrictive law, with investors who own more than 5% of the company being citizens.

Rep. Rosendale's bill serves as a proactive measure to safeguard American agricultural land and national security interests. The congressman's efforts reflect the growing concerns about foreign investment in U.S. farmland and the potential risks it poses.

As this issue continues to garner attention, it remains to be seen how Congress will respond to the GAO report and Rep. Rosendale's proposed legislation. However, the congressman's dedication to protecting American interests and addressing the national security implications of foreign ownership of agricultural land is clear.