H.R.1713 - Agricultural Risk Review Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1713, the Agricultural Risk Review Act of 2025, amends the Defense Production Act of 1950 to include the Secretary of Agriculture as a member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). This inclusion specifically relates to transactions involving agricultural land, biotechnology, and the agricultural industry. The bill also mandates CFIUS to review agricultural land transactions involving foreign persons from countries listed as foreign adversaries.
Expected Effects
The primary effect will be increased scrutiny of foreign investments in U.S. agriculture, particularly those from China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. This could lead to the blocking or modification of certain transactions deemed to pose a risk to national security or agricultural viability. The Secretary of Agriculture's involvement will bring specific expertise to CFIUS reviews.
Potential Benefits 4/5
- Enhanced national security by preventing foreign adversaries from controlling critical agricultural resources.
- Protection of American farmers and the agricultural industry from unfair foreign competition.
- Increased oversight of foreign investment in agricultural land, ensuring sustainable practices.
- Greater transparency in agricultural land transactions involving foreign entities.
- Potential for more informed decisions regarding foreign investment based on agricultural expertise.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased bureaucracy and delays in foreign investment transactions.
- Risk of chilling foreign investment in the agricultural sector, potentially impacting economic growth.
- Possible retaliatory measures from countries targeted by the legislation.
- Increased administrative burden on the Department of Agriculture.
- Potential for disputes over the definition of "reportable agricultural land transaction."
Constitutional Alignment 4/5
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of providing for the common defense and promoting the general welfare, as stated in the Preamble. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). The Act does not appear to infringe on any specific constitutional right or freedom.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to citizens. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).