S
enate Republicans are pushing to restrict foreign government investment in US real estate near military bases, citing national security concerns. Senator Ted Cruz reintroduced the Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act, which would require a review by federal authorities before entities linked to China, Russia, Iran or North Korea can purchase land within 100 miles of an armed forces installation.

    Cruz argues that foreign adversaries are exploiting loopholes to acquire land near military bases, putting troops' safety at risk. The bill has gained momentum in the Republican-majority Senate, with Senator Tom Cotton, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, among its co-sponsors. Cotton warns that America's adversaries "have no business purchasing land in our country, especially near military bases."

    The legislation would broaden the authority of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) to review real estate purchases by foreign companies or groups near military bases. Currently, CFIUS has authority within a few miles of sites; Cruz's bill would extend that to 100 miles of installations and 50 miles of training ranges.

    The focus is on investments linked to China, with concerns about espionage attempts and heavy investment in farmland. Chinese firms own around 278,000 acres of US farmland, mostly near military installations. However, this represents less than 1% of all foreign farmland investments.

    CFIUS officials would determine whether future investments pose a threat and monitor for national security risks. Co-sponsor Senator Katie Britt says the bill will "protect our national security assets here at home from our adversaries." No timetable has been set for hearings or committee votes on the legislation.