Congresswoman Miller Co‑Sponsors Bill to Block Chinese Land & Home Ownership in U.S.

Written by David E. Smith

Across Illinois and the nation, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been quietly expanding its footprint by acquiring U.S. farmland. According to 2023 data from the USDA, Chinese investors now own approximately 277,336 acres of American agricultural land. While that number may seem modest, the trend is accelerating—and raising serious national security concerns.

In response, U.S. Representative Mary Miller (R‑Quincy), a member of the House Agriculture Committee, recently introduced H.R. 4706, the House companion to Senator Josh Hawley’s (R‑Missouri) Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act. The legislation would prohibit Chinese individuals and entities with ties to the CCP from purchasing American farmland or residential property.

“Prized American land is not for sale to our enemies,” said Representative Miller. “The Chinese Communist Party is the greatest threat to our national security, and their aggressive push to buy up our farmland and homes is a direct attack on our sovereignty. It’s long past time we take back control and put America’s food supply and communities back in American hands — where they belong.”

“China’s ownership of U.S. farmland poses a direct threat to American interests,” said Senator Hawley. “We should never let our nation’s greatest adversary have access to our vital resources, including our housing supply. That’s why I’m reintroducing legislation to protect American assets from the CCP once and for all.”

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Ban on acquisitions: Prohibits corporations and individuals affiliated with the CCP from acquiring or leasing U.S. farmland or residences including homes, condos, and housing‑zoned land.

• Temporary restriction: Residential real estate purchases would be blocked for two years initially, with the president empowered to renew the ban every two years.

• Mandatory divestment: Those already owning such property must submit a divestment letter within 180 days of enactment and divest within one year or face severe penalties.

Penalties for Noncompliance:

• Agricultural land violations: Fines up to $100 per acre per day.

• Residential violations: Fines up to $1,000 per day.

• Criminal liability: Up to five years imprisonment.

• Asset forfeiture: Violative properties to be auctioned off.

Enforcement Measures:

• Nullifies non‑compete agreements involving foreign agricultural employers.

• Establishes compliance offices within the Departments of Agriculture and Commerce.

• Grants authority to the attorney general to seize assets and seek injunctive relief.

Though a small share as a percentage, much of the spotlight falls on land near military installations and vulnerabilities related to espionage and control over food‑supply infrastructure. This is a major national security concern.

According to an article in The Washington Post, states such as Arkansas and Montana have already moved to restrict or force divestment by China‑linked firms in lands near critical infrastructure. The Trump administration’s National Farm Security Action Plan includes a ban on foreign adversary land purchases and potential clawbacks of existing stakes.

TAKE ACTION: Call your U.S. Congressmember and ask him/her to please co-sponsor H.R. 4706. It is important they our federal lawmakers hear from us about this national security proposal. The rest of Illinois’ Congressional delegation should have no problem signing on to this legislation.

H.R. 4706 currently has 14 Republican co‑sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives.

This legislation represents the latest phase of a resurging national security focus on foreign investment in U.S. property—one that crosses party lines and resonates with rural and suburban constituents alike. While current Chinese ownership levels remain low as a percentage, state and federal lawmakers agree that restrictions are essential to safeguard American food systems, military readiness, and sovereignty.

China poses one of the greatest threats to the United States on multiple fronts. Given its increasingly brazen actions, it is entirely appropriate—and necessary—to investigate and halt the CCP’s purchase of American land.