[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 142 (Thursday, September 12, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E889]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  PROTECTING AMERICAN AGRICULTURE FROM FOREIGN ADVERSARIES ACT OF 2024

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                               speech of

                            HON. JAKE ELLZEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 11, 2024

  Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Newhouse for bringing H.R. 9456 
to the House floor, and for his good work leading the Western Caucus.
  The Chinese Communist Party is infiltrating America. Over the last 
decade the CCP has spread its tentacles into our backyards by the 
purchase of airable lands--the very ranches and farmlands we need to 
feed our country and the world.
  Their acquisitions of agricultural land in the U.S. have increased 
tenfold, posing a serious threat to our national security, economic 
stability, and food supply.
  We can better protect ourselves from foreign adversaries, like the 
CCP, throug support of Mr. Newhouse's H.R. 9456, the Protecting 
American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act.
  This bill would prohibit foreign adversaries, such as the CCP, from 
buying U.S. agricultural land.
  Just like making sure weeds do not overtake a field, this legislation 
better allows us to weed out bad foreign actors from our ag lands.
  By passing this legislation, Congress is standing firm against our 
adversaries and making it clear: we have the backs of the American 
people. We are taking a strong stance to protect our land, our economy, 
and our food supply from foreign enemies like the CCP.
  This is a direct action to safeguard our Nation's future, and we will 
not allow those who seek to harm us to gain control over America's 
agricultural resources. We're not just strengthening our defenses--
we're sending a message that we will always stand against those who 
threaten our security and way of life.
  I urge my colleagues to support this important piece of legislation.
  God bless our farmers and ranchers.

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