By Brandon Hall
(Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com)
House Republicans are fighting hard to stop foreign nationals and any associated entities from buying up land in Michigan, passing a series of bills to address the issue.
Protecting farmland and critical infrastructure are top priorities.
Legislators are specifically targeting those who have connections with countries known to be hostile to the United States.
The "foreign countries of concern" at issue are:
- China
- Russia
- Iran
- North Korea
- Cuba
- Venezuela
- Syria
Though Speaker Hall and many other Reps have been involved behind the scenes in crafting the comprehensive 8 bill package, Gina Johnsen, Luke Meerman, and William Bruck have been leading the charge, along with Jamie Thompson and David Martin.
State Rep. Gina Johnsen’s legislation, House Bill 4233, bans those associated with "foreign countries of concern" from purchasing or owning Michigan farmland.
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| State Rep. Gina Johnsen |
Under Johnsen's bill, any foreign entity that currently owns farmland must sell all rights, title, and interest in the land within two years of the legislation being implemented. The plan also requires any foreign-owned land is registered with the Secretary of State.
“There is something intrinsically American about driving through rural Michigan surrounded by farmland as far as the eye can see,” Johnsen said. “Now, imagine the fear and doubt you’d feel knowing the fields surrounding you were owned by the Chinese or Iranians---countries who want nothing more than to see our country collapse. By purchasing Michigan farmland, these bad actors want to steal away our food security, ending generations of farming traditions, and American self-reliance."
State Rep. Luke Meerman's legislation, House Bill 4234, prohibits foreign entities of concern from acquiring agricultural land or property within 20 miles of critical infrastructure in Michigan. Meerman’s bill would apply to the government or political party of, a business located in, or a person whose primary citizenship is in any of the foreign countries of concern.
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| State Rep. Luke Meerman |
“One of China’s most frequently used methods to increase their influence on our country is buying up farmland and placing spies near our military installations,” Meerman said. “Just last year, five Chinese nationals were charged for illegally observing and taking pictures of Camp Grayling, where Taiwanese troops were participating in a training exercise alongside our armed forces. The state of Michigan can and should take measures to prevent this kind of conduct, and my legislation is an effective step towards doing that.”
Meerman notes China is targeting places like Michigan.
“The Chinese Communist Party itself has admitted that their increased effort to spread their influence is occurring mostly at a subnational level, focusing on state and local institutions,” Meerman said. “This state-level threat demands a state-level response."
“From my experience as an intelligence officer with the Defense Department, I know firsthand there are adversaries out there who are looking to steal our data and undermine our state and country where they can,” Schuette told MLive. “I would monitor and evaluate how our nation’s enemies and their governments like China, Iran and North Korea attempted to gain influence, subvert sovereignty and gain control in many countries across the globe. Now, as a member of the state Legislature, I find it very unsettling that some of these same tactics are being used here in Michigan.”
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| State Rep. Bill G. Schuette |
Other bills in the package would:
"-Prevent foreign entities of concern from collecting sensitive information by blocking prohibited apps on government devices.
"-Prevent foreign entities of concern from collecting sensitive information by blocking prohibited apps on government devices.
-Ensure public schools, colleges, and universities do not accept grants conditioned upon an anti-American agenda from foreign countries of concern.
-Prohibit public bodies from entering into constraining agreements with foreign countries of concern.
-Ensure public economic incentives are not awarded to foreign entities of concern.
-Protect the personal health information of Michigan residents by ensuring healthcare record technology is physically maintained in the U.S. or Canada.
-Protect the safety of Michiganders by preventing entities of concern from purchasing land near and surveilling military bases and other critical infrastructure.
The legislation has received strong support.
“Nothing could paint a starker contrast in Lansing than how Democrats and Republicans approach national security. Whether it’s handouts to CCP-linked Gotion or driver’s licenses for illegal immigrants, Democrats support an agenda that endangers our communities and emboldens threats beyond our borders," said Zach Rudat of Michigan Forward.
"Republicans have stepped up with a plan that puts foreign adversaries on notice, protecting our state, our economy, our farmland, our data, our tax dollars, and our future from those who wish us harm. Michigan families deserve to feel safe and secure in their communities. While Democrats enable bad actors across the globe, Republicans are committed to safeguarding Michigan taxpayers from all threats, foreign and domestic," Rudat said.
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Brandon Hall is a lifelong political nerd from Grand Haven, and is the Managing Editor of West Michigan Politics.
>>>Email him at WestMIPolitics@Gmail.com
