Concerns over national security have intensified as lawmakers highlight the dangers of foreign entities, especially from China, acquiring land near key U.S. installations. Sensitive sites, such as Coast Guard facilities and Energy Department labs, remain unprotected due to loopholes in federal regulations.
In a move to enhance oversight, CFIUS recently expanded its review capabilities to cover 50 military locations. However, many critical areas — including national labs and maritime ports — remain excluded from this scrutiny, exposing the U.S. to potential espionage.
Reps. Greg Murphy (R-NC) and John Moolenaar (R-MI) have been vocal about these gaps. They expressed in a letter, “These loopholes must be closed, and closed quickly.” They believe that allowing foreign access to these facilities could compromise both national and economic security.
Chinese Communist Party-affiliated companies have purchased approximately 384,000 acres of agricultural land in the U.S., a significant rise of 30% since 2019. This expansion amounts to nearly $2 billion in holdings, furthering Beijing’s influence across the country.
Although recent legislative efforts have tightened restrictions, the existing regulations do not address land acquisitions made prior to a site’s designation as sensitive. “Xi Jinping would never allow Americans to buy land next to sensitive Chinese bases,” Moolenaar commented, emphasizing the one-sided nature of current policies.
The absence of CFIUS scrutiny for land purchases near Coast Guard and Energy Department facilities leaves the U.S. vulnerable to foreign exploitation. Lawmakers are calling for comprehensive reforms to safeguard national interests and prevent hostile nations from gaining footholds on American soil.
