Standing with America's Farmers

Floor Speech

Date: Feb. 28, 2024
Location: Washington, DC

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Ms. FOXX. Madam Speaker, at this very moment, America's dedicated farmers and the Nation's entire agricultural community are facing a serious threat.

That threat is the Communist Chinese Party's continued purchasing of American farmland. This is a threat that I take very seriously and one that I remain committed to fixing.

Here is the truth: The Chinese Communist Party has absolutely no interest in supporting our Nation's food supply.

It cares only about improving its own bottom line while kneecapping a community that has always put food on the tables of families in every ZIP Code in America.

Think about the threat that is being posed to our national security as more American farmland is acquired by the Chinese Communist Party.

My record is crystal clear on standing with farmers, and I have recently taken action to confront and expose the Chinese Communist Party's covert agenda.

I have cosponsored H.R. 7131, the AFIDA Improvements Act of 2024, legislation that makes serious reforms related to how the United States Department of Agriculture shares data on foreign investments in agricultural land.

What is more, I have cosponsored H.R. 809, the Prohibition of Agricultural Land for the People's Republic of China Act.

This legislation requires the President to take necessary actions to prohibit the purchase of public or private agricultural real estate located in the United States by nonresident aliens, foreign businesses, or any agent, trustee, or fiduciary associated with the Government of the People's Republic of China.

Further, under this legislation, individuals or businesses with direct ties to the Government of the People's Republic of China will be prohibited from certain programs administered by the Secretary of Agriculture.

Madam Speaker, the simple truth is that our Nation's food supply and supply chain are better off when American farmers are put first.

The interests of the Chinese Government should never be put first. This threat is one that should not be ignored.

I have long held that North Carolina's agricultural industry is the best that our Nation has to offer. It has always been and will always be a force to be reckoned with.

Last Congress, I was proud to be a recipient of the Friend of the Farm Bureau award in recognition of my voting record in support of farmers across North Carolina and the Nation.

These hardworking men, women, and families work tirelessly every day to support our Nation. I will always stand with them and push back against every attempt to undermine their livelihoods.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT


Source
arrow_upward