By Representative Mike Collins
July 28, 2023
(Views expressed by guest commentators may not reflect the views of OAN or its affiliates.)
America’s agricultural community is the backbone of our nation—fueling the economy and providing goods to families domestically and around the world. In fact, our export of crops and livestock fulfills a significant portion of global food demand. In light of this, it is nonsensical that the United States has allowed foreign adversaries to buy up large quantities of our farmland.
China’s ownership of American agricultural land jumped by 30% from 2019 to 2020. When compared to the 550 acres acquired in the previous four years, this is startling.
These developments pose a threat to our national security and food supply, especially as competition with the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) intensifies. Looking into the future, these sales could jeopardize our production capabilities, hurt our economy, and place us behind China in our economic cold war.
An even more worrisome trend is the CCP’s recent acquisition of land near a U.S. military installation. In North Dakota, China purchased a significant amount of farmland just down the road from Grand Forks Air Force Base. It should be noted, this base is home to research and development of the highest sensitivity.
We ought to be aware of China’s new strategies to sabotage our ability to effectively compete on the world stage. Take it from President Xi Jingping himself who has candidly shared his plan to supplant the United States as the “global leader in terms of composite national strength and international influence,” by 2049. With this as the explicit goal of the CCP, we cannot permit our enemies to acquire our assets with impunity.
The new House majority is being proactive against foreign nations purchasing U.S. farmland. The FY2024 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill protects our agricultural assets from being purchased by actors associated with Communist China, Russia, North Korea, or Iran. There is a lot of work to be done here in Washington to bolster our national security. This legislation is a step in the right direction in protecting our country and keeping us ahead of key competitors. House Republicans will always protect Americans and our vital agricultural communities.
Michael Allen Collins Jr. (born July 2, 1967) is an American politician and businessman serving as the U.S. representative for Georgia’s 10th congressional district since 2023. He is a member of the Republican Party.