[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 36 (Wednesday, February 28, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H701]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    STANDING WITH AMERICA'S FARMERS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller-Meeks). The Chair recognizes the 
gentlewoman from North Carolina (Ms. Foxx) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, at this very moment, America's dedicated 
farmers and the Nation's entire agricultural community are facing a 
serious threat.
  That threat is the Communist Chinese Party's continued purchasing of 
American farmland. This is a threat that I take very seriously and one 
that I remain committed to fixing.
  Here is the truth: The Chinese Communist Party has absolutely no 
interest in supporting our Nation's food supply.
  It cares only about improving its own bottom line while kneecapping a 
community that has always put food on the tables of families in every 
ZIP Code in America.
  Think about the threat that is being posed to our national security 
as more American farmland is acquired by the Chinese Communist Party.
  My record is crystal clear on standing with farmers, and I have 
recently taken action to confront and expose the Chinese Communist 
Party's covert agenda.
  I have cosponsored H.R. 7131, the AFIDA Improvements Act of 2024, 
legislation that makes serious reforms related to how the United States 
Department of Agriculture shares data on foreign investments in 
agricultural land.
  What is more, I have cosponsored H.R. 809, the Prohibition of 
Agricultural Land for the People's Republic of China Act.
  This legislation requires the President to take necessary actions to 
prohibit the purchase of public or private agricultural real estate 
located in the United States by nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, 
or any agent, trustee, or fiduciary associated with the Government of 
the People's Republic of China.
  Further, under this legislation, individuals or businesses with 
direct ties to the Government of the People's Republic of China will be 
prohibited from certain programs administered by the Secretary of 
Agriculture.
  Madam Speaker, the simple truth is that our Nation's food supply and 
supply chain are better off when American farmers are put first.
  The interests of the Chinese Government should never be put first. 
This threat is one that should not be ignored.
  I have long held that North Carolina's agricultural industry is the 
best that our Nation has to offer. It has always been and will always 
be a force to be reckoned with.
  Last Congress, I was proud to be a recipient of the Friend of the 
Farm Bureau award in recognition of my voting record in support of 
farmers across North Carolina and the Nation.
  These hardworking men, women, and families work tirelessly every day 
to support our Nation. I will always stand with them and push back 
against every attempt to undermine their livelihoods.

                          ____________________