H.R.458 - Protecting our Land Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 458, the "Protecting our Land Act," aims to prohibit foreign adversaries and state sponsors of terrorism from purchasing public or private real estate in the United States. The bill directs the President to instruct federal agencies to create regulations enforcing this prohibition. It defines "foreign adversary" and "state sponsor of terrorism" by referencing existing legal definitions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would restrict real estate purchases by entities deemed threats to national security. This could impact foreign investment in the US real estate market. The specific effects will depend on how the regulations are implemented and which countries are designated as foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by preventing potential adversaries from acquiring strategically important land.
- Reduced risk of espionage or sabotage through real estate holdings.
- Increased public confidence in the government's ability to protect national assets.
- Potential for increased domestic investment in real estate as foreign adversary influence decreases.
- Strengthened measures against terrorism financing and support.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for strained diplomatic relations with countries designated as foreign adversaries.
- Possible chilling effect on legitimate foreign investment from non-adversarial nations.
- Risk of retaliatory measures from affected countries, impacting US interests abroad.
- Increased administrative burden for federal agencies to implement and enforce the regulations.
- Potential for legal challenges based on discrimination or due process concerns.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. While Congress has broad authority over foreign commerce and national security (Article I, Section 8), the bill's potential impact on property rights and equal protection could raise concerns. The Fifth Amendment protects against the taking of private property for public use without just compensation, and the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law. However, these rights are not absolute and can be limited in the interest of national security.
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).