H.R.1184 - Stop China’s Continuous Purchase of Land Act; Stop CCP Land Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1184, also known as the "Stop China's Continuous Purchase of Land Act" or the "Stop CCP Land Act," aims to restrict the purchase of agricultural land in the United States by certain foreign entities. Specifically, it targets countries listed on the State Department's Defense Trade Control Country Policies List, including Russia. The bill proposes that states failing to enact laws prohibiting such purchases would become ineligible for specific federal program funds.
Expected Effects
The primary effect of this bill would be to limit foreign investment, particularly from countries considered potential adversaries, in U.S. agricultural land. States would be incentivized to enact laws restricting these purchases to maintain eligibility for federal funding. Additionally, the bill mandates reports from the Secretary of Agriculture and the Comptroller General on foreign investment in agricultural land and potential national security implications.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by limiting control of agricultural resources by foreign adversaries.
- Protection of domestic agricultural interests.
- Increased transparency regarding foreign ownership of agricultural land through mandatory reporting.
- Potential for greater control over food supply chains within the United States.
- Addresses concerns about foreign influence in critical sectors.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for retaliatory measures from affected countries, impacting international trade relations.
- Possible negative impact on state budgets due to loss of federal funding if states choose not to comply.
- Could lead to decreased foreign investment in the agricultural sector, potentially affecting land values and agricultural productivity.
- May face legal challenges based on constitutional grounds, such as the Commerce Clause or equal protection.
- Increased administrative burden on state departments of agriculture to monitor and enforce the restrictions.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutional alignment is complex. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3), which could support the restrictions on land purchases. However, the Tenth Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, potentially raising concerns about federal overreach into state land regulation. The conditional funding approach, where states must comply with federal mandates to receive funds, has been subject to legal challenges, particularly if the conditions are unduly coercive.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).