H.R.1438 - Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.1438, the "Protecting America’s Agricultural Land from Foreign Harm Act of 2025," aims to prohibit the purchase or lease of agricultural land in the United States by individuals or entities associated with the governments of Iran, North Korea, the People's Republic of China, and the Russian Federation. The bill also restricts these "covered persons" from participating in certain Department of Agriculture programs. It amends the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 to include security interests and leases in reporting requirements and increases transparency regarding foreign ownership.
Expected Effects
The bill, if enacted, would likely reduce foreign influence in the U.S. agricultural sector from the specified countries. It would increase scrutiny and transparency of foreign investments in agricultural land. This could lead to a decrease in land values in some areas and potentially impact international relations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by limiting control of agricultural resources by potential adversaries.
- Increased transparency in foreign ownership of agricultural land through enhanced reporting requirements.
- Protection of domestic agricultural interests from foreign influence.
- Addresses potential risks associated with foreign government control over food production.
- Ensures American farmers and ranchers are not unfairly disadvantaged by foreign entities.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for retaliatory actions from the targeted countries, impacting trade and diplomatic relations.
- Possible decrease in foreign investment in U.S. agriculture, which could affect land values and agricultural innovation.
- Increased administrative burden and costs associated with monitoring and enforcing the new regulations.
- Risk of unintended consequences, such as discouraging legitimate foreign investment that benefits the agricultural sector.
- Potential for legal challenges based on discrimination or violation of international trade agreements.
Most Disadvantaged Areas:
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the Constitution is complex. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8, Clause 3). However, the bill could be challenged under the Fifth Amendment's Takings Clause if it unduly restricts property rights without just compensation. The equal protection principles may also be invoked if the restrictions are deemed discriminatory without a rational basis.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).