Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025
Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025 - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would prevent people and companies connected to the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, and Russia from buying or leasing agricultural land in the United States. The prohibition would apply to both privately-owned farmland and publicly-owned agricultural land managed by the federal government. Anyone who violates these rules could face civil fines or criminal penalties. However, if foreign entities already own or lease farmland before this law passes, they wouldn't be forced to sell it. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily targets foreign governments' involvement in U.S. agriculture.
It would affect any individuals or businesses that are owned by, controlled by, or directed by the Iranian, North Korean, Chinese, or Russian governments. It could also impact legitimate U.S. landowners if they have business relationships with these countries, depending on how enforcement is handled. **Current status:** The bill (S. 618) was introduced by Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) in the 119th Congress and is currently under review in committee. It has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Protecting America's Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025This bill prohibits persons associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, China, or Russia from purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the United States.Specifically, the President must prohibit any person (individual or entity) owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of these foreign governments from purchasing or leasing (1) public agricultural land that is owned by the United States and administered by a federal department or agency, or (2) private agricultural land that is located in the United States.A person that violates or attempts to violate this prohibition is subject to civil and criminal penalties. This prohibition does not require a person that owns or leases agricultural land as of the date of this bill's enactment to sell that land.Further, the President must prohibit a person associated with these foreign governments and who leases, or who has full or partial ownership of, agricultural land in the United States from participating in Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs. Exceptions are included to allow for participation in USDA programs related to food safety, the health and labor safety of individuals, or certain reporting and disclosure requirements.The bill excludes U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents from these restrictions.The bill also amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 (AFIDA) to require reporting on security interests and leases.Finally, the Government Accountability Office must submit a report to Congress on AFIDA.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.