PASS Act

Key Points

• This bill would give the government more power to stop foreign countries like China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from buying American farmland or agricultural businesses. It specifically targets land located near military bases or other sensitive government buildings to protect national security.
• The rules apply to people or companies acting on behalf of those four specific countries. It is important to note that these restrictions do not apply to U.S. citizens or people who have a green card to live and work in the United States legally.
• Lawmakers are concerned that foreign adversaries could use American land to spy on military operations or gain too much control over the U.S. food supply and farming technology. By reviewing these sales, the government aims to keep the food system and military sites safe.
• The Secretary of Agriculture would join a special federal committee that reviews foreign investments. If a deal involves a foreign adversary buying land near a sensitive site, the President must block the sale unless they officially decide the deal is in the best interest of the United States.
• If this bill becomes law, the new rules would take effect about one year later. This gives the government time to write the specific regulations and for the public to understand how the new system will work.

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