[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[Senate]
[Page S3517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            MORNING BUSINESS

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                            VOTE EXPLANATION

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam President, with regards to Rounds amendment No. 
813 to S. 2226, the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, I share 
the sponsor's national security concerns, especially in reference to 
the purchase of agricultural lands by companies affiliated with the 
People's Republic of China, and appreciate the sponsor's effort to 
improve review of these sales. However, I am also deeply concerned by 
issues that have been raised with respect to civil liberties and want 
to ensure that no one is discriminated against or viewed as a national 
security threat simply because of where they were born.
  As written, the language seems to equate individuals from the 
specified countries as synonymous with their governments. Under this 
provision, if an individual with a valid visa, who has no connection to 
one of the governments listed, seeks to buy agricultural property above 
a certain threshold, the U.S. Government would deny them the ability to 
proceed with the purchase simply because of their national origin. 
While the national security concerns this amendment seeks to address 
are real, we must not discriminate on individuals based on national 
origin, race, or ethnicity.
  I voted in favor of my colleagues' amendment in order to continue the 
conversation on this important issue, but will not support any final 
provision that does not resolve these civil liberties concerns.

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