Costa Bill Protects US Ag

A bill co-sponsored by Rep. Jim Costa, D-Fresno, that would prohibit “foreign adversaries from purchasing or controlling U.S. agricultural land and businesses,” made it into a Senate bill.

The “Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security Act” (PASS Act) was approved as an amendment to a Senate military funding bill on Tuesday. The bipartisan bill would allow the USDA to review foreign acquisition of farmland, and ban China, Iran, Russia, and North Korea from purchasing U.S. soil.

“Our foreign adversaries, specifically Communist China, are purchasing U.S. agricultural land to undermine our food security and gain access to our sensitive military installations,” a Costa news release said.

The amendment passed 91-7. California’s Democratic senators split — Alex Padilla voted no; Dianne Feinstein voted yes. The bill itself still needs passage from the Senate.

“Food is a national security issue, and we need to take steps to protect American farmland. The PASS Act will safeguard our food supply chain and ensure American agriculture is operated by American businesses,” Costa said.