Plain Language Summary
# LAND Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The LAND Act would restrict foreign purchases of U.S. agricultural land by applying the same rules that each foreign buyer's home country uses to restrict land purchases by foreigners. For example, if a country prohibits foreigners from owning farmland, citizens of that country would face the same prohibition in the U.S. The bill also requires sellers to report agricultural land sales to foreign buyers to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which would then notify Congress members about these transactions. **Who It Affects and Key Provisions** The bill applies broadly to all foreign purchasers, including dual citizens (people with citizenship in multiple countries).
For foreign companies, the restrictions would be based on whichever home country has the strictest land-ownership laws. Essentially, the legislation aims to prevent foreign governments and investors from purchasing American farmland while allowing reciprocal access based on each country's own policies. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee in the House of Representatives and has not yet been voted on by the full chamber. It was introduced by Rep. Brandon Gill (R-Texas) in the 119th Congress.
CRS Official Summary
Land And National Defense Act or the LAND ActThis bill requires that a foreign purchaser of agricultural land be subject to (1) the same restrictions and limitations as a U.S. citizen or national would be subject to when purchasing agricultural land in the foreign purchaser's home country, and (2) any restrictions and limitations that apply under state law with respect to the purchase.The bill applies to all foreign purchasers, including U.S. citizens who are also a citizen of one or more other countries (e.g., a dual citizen).For a foreign company purchasing agricultural land, a country is treated as the company's home country if (1) it has the most restrictive laws with respect to the purchasing of agricultural land, and (2) the citizens of the country hold at least 5% of the company.The seller of the agricultural land to a foreign purchaser must report the sale to the Department of Agriculture (USDA). Further, USDA must notify certain Members of Congress of the sale, including (1) the Senators from the state in which the agricultural land is located, and (2) the Representative from the congressional district where the land is located.In addition, the bill establishes the U.S. Land Protection Task Force, chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture, to identify violations of these restrictions on foreign agricultural land purchasers.The task force must submit a report to Congress every six months, which must include specific information on the sale of agricultural land to foreign purchasers.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Nutrition and Foreign Agriculture.