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Congress·In Committee·7 months ago

House Bill Would Ban China-Linked Buyers From U.S. Farmland and Homes, Force Divestitures Within a Year

Also known as: Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Impacts

Negative Impacts(1)
Retiree
Hurts
Mixed Impacts(3)
Farmer Rancher
Neutral
Housing Assistance
Neutral
Federal Employee
Neutral

Key Points

  • Would ban certain China-linked companies and people from buying or leasing U.S. farmland, including land used for farming, ranching, timber, and some food processing sites.
  • Would require covered China-linked owners or renters of U.S. farmland to commit to selling (letter of intent in 180 days) and fully divest within 1 year after the law takes effect.
  • Sets penalties for illegal farmland ownership/leases: $100 per acre per day, plus possible criminal penalties (up to 5 years) and forced sale of seized land at public auction.
  • Creates a temporary ban on covered China-linked entities buying U.S. homes (like single-family homes, condos, and small multi-unit buildings) for 2 years, with the option for the President to extend it every 2 years.
  • Requires covered China-linked entities to sell U.S. residential property within 1 year, with a $1,000-per-day fine per home, and requires a report to Congress on housing market impacts.
HousingAgricultureTradeNational Security

Milestones

2 milestones2 actions
Jul 23, 2025House

Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Jul 23, 2025

Introduced in House

What Happens Next

Projected impacts based on AI analysis

Within 180 days after the bill becomes law

USDA and DOJ issue guidance and rules for the farmland ban and divestment process

This is when the practical “how it works” details become clear (how compliance is checked, how fines are assessed, what paperwork is required).

Within 180 days after the bill becomes law

USDA creates a compliance office to monitor farmland ownership/leases and issue fines

Enforcement becomes more active and organized; covered entities face higher risk of being identified and fined for violations.

By 180 days after the bill becomes law

Covered entities that already own or lease U.S. agricultural land must sign a letter saying they will divest

This starts the clock for exit plans; sellers and local markets may see earlier listing activity as covered entities prepare to sell or end leases.

By 1 year after the bill becomes law

Covered entities must fully divest from U.S. agricultural land ownership and leases

Land may change hands; ongoing violations start triggering $100-per-acre-per-day fines and risk of criminal enforcement.

From the day the bill becomes law through 2 years after, unless extended

Residential real estate purchase ban for covered entities is in effect during the “covered period”

Covered entities tied to China cannot buy homes during this window; in some areas that may slightly reduce competition for listings.

By 1 year after the bill becomes law

Covered entities must divest from U.S. residential real estate they already own

Some homes/units may be listed for sale to comply; violations can trigger $1,000-per-day-per-unit fines and DOJ enforcement.

After the bill becomes law (no deadline stated for Commerce office)

Commerce Department sets up a compliance office for the housing ban and fines

More consistent monitoring and quicker penalty decisions for prohibited home purchases or failure to divest.

By 540 days after the bill becomes law

Commerce Department delivers a report to Congress on housing market and affordability impacts

The public may get clearer data on whether the ban changed prices, supply, or affordability, which could shape future extensions or changes.

At 2 years after the bill becomes law, and every 2 years after that

Trump may choose to extend the home-purchase ban for covered entities

If extended, the ban continues for another 2 years, which could keep demand from covered entities out of the market longer.

Related News

2 articles
Feedstuffs·8 months ago

Bill bans Chinese ownership of U.S. farms and farmland

Senator Josh Hawley reintroduced the Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act, targeting Chinese corporations and CCP-affiliated individuals. The legislation defines agricultural land broadly to include farming, ranching, and timber production, and includes criminal penalties.

C=
Washington Times·8 months ago

GOP lawmakers join administration push to stop the sale of U.S. land to Chinese nationals

The article discusses several legislative efforts, including Sen. Josh Hawley's 'Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act,' which aligns with the Trump administration's National Farm Security Action Plan to force divestment of Chinese-owned property near military bases and critical sites.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act

Bill NumberHR 4706
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionReferred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Sponsor

Cosponsors

(20)
R: 20

Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.