WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) cosponsored legislation introduced by Senators Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) to prevent China, Russia, Iran and North Korea from investing in, purchasing, leasing or otherwise acquiring American farmland.

“Our adversaries should not be allowed to take ownership of American farmland,” said Sen. Moran. “Kansas plays a crucial role in producing food for the American people, and we cannot allow malign actors to disrupt or manipulate these supply chains by taking possession of farms, ranches or the agriculture industry. This legislation would help protect our national security, ensure the rightful ownership of American land and maintain vital food production for our nation.”

The Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act would add the Secretary of Agriculture as a standing member of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to consider agriculture needs when making determinations affecting U.S. national security. This legislation would also require the President to submit a report to Congress on any waiver granted to a prohibited country and require reporting from the Secretary of Agriculture on the risk of foreign purchases of agricultural companies to the American agriculture sector.

This legislation is also cosponsored by Senators John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Kevin Cramer (R-N.D.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Steve Daines (R-Mont.) and John Thune (R-S.D.).

Companion legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives by Representatives Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.) and Rick Crawford (R-Ark.).

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