East Idaho Times

U.S. Senator Mike Crapo of Idaho has once again collaborated with Senator Cynthia Lummis from Wyoming to introduce the No American Land for Communist China Act. This proposed legislation aims to prevent the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from acquiring farmland adjacent to federal lands in the United States. The bill seeks to protect Idaho and other western states from potential threats posed by CCP land purchases, which could impact critical mineral and energy production on these lands. Additionally, it aims to safeguard U.S. military and infrastructure sites from possible surveillance by the CCP.

Senator Crapo emphasized the risks associated with allowing the CCP to purchase western lands, stating, “Allowing the CCP to purchase western lands poses a plethora of risks including threats to our national security and encroachment on America’s natural resources.” He further stressed the importance of protecting Idaho and neighboring states from both visible and hidden threats.

Senator Lummis echoed these concerns, highlighting the implications for national and economic security: “Putting America First means preventing the Chinese Communist Party from buying up western land and putting our military bases, critical energy, and mineral production at risk.”

The legislation would specifically prohibit any agent or business linked with the CCP from purchasing land next to federal land within the United States. It has garnered support from several co-sponsors, including Senators John Barrasso of Wyoming, Tim Sheehy of Montana, and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee.

In parallel, Representative Dan Newhouse of Washington has introduced a companion bill in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Access full bill text here.