The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on April 29th (local time) that strictly prohibits foreign adversarial forces from owning or purchasing agricultural land within the United States.

This measure was enacted after the 'Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2026 (H.R. 7567),' which included an amendment proposed by Representative Greg Steube (Republican, Florida), was finally passed by the House plenary session.

The core of the passed 'Steube Amendment' is to establish a legal basis to prevent individuals or legal entities linked to 'Foreign Adversaries' that threaten U.S. national security, such as China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran, from acquiring U.S. agricultural land.

In a statement immediately following the bill's passage, Representative Greg Steube emphasized, "The encroachment of American farmland by foreign adversaries is not just a real estate transaction but a significant challenge to national security. This amendment will serve as a strong defense to protect our food supply chain and prevent adversarial forces from expanding their influence within U.S. territory."

According to the passed bill, companies owned by adversarial forces or individuals acting on their behalf are prohibited from newly purchasing or leasing agricultural land in the U.S. Furthermore, by redefining the agricultural sector as 'critical infrastructure' of the United States, any foreign investment will be subject to stricter scrutiny by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).

Experts analyze this bill as a response, in particular, to China's increasing ownership of U.S. farmland. In recent years, controversies over espionage and security threats have arisen as Chinese companies have purchased farmland near U.S. military bases. Therefore, this legislation is expected to have significant repercussions on future diplomatic relations and the international investment market.

This bill, which will be recorded as one of the strongest measures to restrict foreign land ownership in the history of U.S. agricultural policy, passed the House with 224 votes in favor and 200 against. It will now proceed to the Senate for deliberation and legislative procedures.

While a bipartisan consensus on farmland protection and countering China exists within the Senate, heated discussions are anticipated regarding the specific scope of regulation and any exceptions.

Legislation of this nature has already been pursued at the state level. Texas's SB17 and SB147 went into effect on September 1, 2025. These bills, however, exempt legal permanent residents and citizens from their scope. They also stipulate that foreigners holding a valid U.S. visa may purchase residential real estate for their primary residence but not for investment purposes.

Florida's SB264 restricts citizens of 'countries of concern,' including China, from purchasing property near critical infrastructure or agricultural land, and includes provisions for imprisonment or heavy fines for violations.

At least 13 states have introduced or are considering legislation to restrict foreign ownership of land used for agriculture.

U.S. NNP=Chief Reporter Sung Ku Hong / Special Dispatch NNP info@newsandpost.com