The "Stop CCP Land Act" restricts states from receiving certain federal funds if they do not prohibit covered foreign countries, including those on the State Department's Defense Trade Control Country Policies List and Russia, from purchasing agricultural land.
Stephanie Bice
Representative
OK-5
The "Stop CCP Land Act" aims to restrict states from receiving certain federal funds if they do not prohibit covered foreign countries, including those on the State Department's Defense Trade Control Country Policies List and Russia, from purchasing agricultural land. It mandates annual reporting for individuals from these countries who already own agricultural land and requires reports to Congress on improving monitoring of foreign investment in agricultural land and assessing the Act's impact on national security. This act defines "agricultural land," "foreign person," and "covered program funds" to ensure clarity in implementation.
Stop CCP Land Act: Feds to Withhold Funds from States Allowing 'Covered' Foreign Nations to Buy Ag Land, Starting 2025
The "Stop China's Continuous Purchase of Land Act," or Stop CCP Land Act, aims to block certain foreign countries from buying U.S. agricultural land. Here's the deal: if a state wants to keep receiving specific federal funds, they have to ban "covered foreign countries" from purchasing ag land within their borders. This kicks in one year after the bill becomes law.
Roots of Restriction
This bill is all about tightening control over who owns America's farmland. It targets countries on the State Department's Defense Trade Control Country Policies List, plus Russia (SEC. 2). Think of it like this: if you're on that list, you're not getting a piece of the American pie (or farm, in this case). For example, a farming collective from a listed nation that wants to expand operations in the U.S. will be blocked. If they already own land? They'll need to file annual reports with the state's agriculture department. (SEC. 2).
Show Me the Money (or Don't)
Here's where it gets real for states. The bill lists out a bunch of federal programs, and the funding tap for those programs gets turned off for states that don't comply with the ban. (SEC. 2). We're talking about programs like electric loans for renewable energy, assistance for underserved farmers, and even home energy efficiency rebates. Imagine a state trying to upgrade its power grid with renewable energy – if they don't comply, they could lose access to crucial federal dollars. Or, consider a homeowner wanting to install solar panels; the state might not have the funds to support rebates, making those upgrades more expensive.
Checking the Books and the Borders
Beyond the land purchases, the bill mandates a couple of reports to Congress. The Secretary of Agriculture has a year to suggest updates to the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978, basically aiming to get a better handle on who's buying what. (SEC. 2). The Comptroller General also has 90 days to assess how this whole thing impacts national security and suggest ways to keep U.S. real estate safer from foreign meddling. (SEC. 2). It's like a financial and security check-up, all rolled into one.
The Fine Print
- "Agricultural land" and "foreign person" are defined using existing terms from the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (SEC. 2). So, we're not reinventing the wheel on those definitions. If you are not familiar with this act, it is best to consult a legal professional.
- The bill specifically lists out the federal programs affected – it's not a blanket cut, but it hits some key areas like climate, energy, and rural development. (SEC. 2).
The Big Picture
This bill is trying to balance national security concerns with the practicalities of foreign investment and state funding. It's a bit of a tightrope walk. On one hand, it aims to prevent potentially hostile countries from gaining control over vital agricultural resources. On the other, it could create a financial squeeze for states and potentially complicate international relations. Whether it achieves that balance, or tips the scales in one direction or the other, remains to be seen.