Senate Republicans introduce crucial legislation to block Chinese Communist Party from spying on U.S. military installations through strategic land purchases near critical defense sites.
Key Takeaways
- The “Protect Our Bases Act” would empower CFIUS to review foreign land purchases near sensitive U.S. military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites
- The bill requires annual updates and reviews of critical security sites to prevent surveillance gaps exploited by foreign adversaries
- Legislation was prompted by a Chinese company’s attempt to purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base, which exposed critical weaknesses in existing security protocols
- Senate Banking Committee Republicans, led by Chairman Tim Scott, are championing the bill to counter growing Chinese infiltration efforts
- The measure builds on other Republican legislative initiatives to safeguard American national security from foreign threats
Closing Security Gaps at America’s Military Installations
A coalition of Senate Republicans has taken decisive action to protect America’s military bases from foreign espionage threats. The “Protect Our Bases Act,” introduced by Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and co-sponsored by several Republican colleagues, aims to strengthen the oversight powers of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) regarding foreign land purchases near critical defense installations. This legislation directly addresses the growing national security threat posed by the Chinese Communist Party’s attempts to establish surveillance positions near sensitive American military and intelligence sites.
“The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to infiltrate and surveil all parts of the US national security apparatus requires vigilance from our national security agencies,” said Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC). “This legislation will enhance the review of foreign real estate transactions near critical national security installations, helping ensure CFIUS has the information it needs to protect our homeland and keep our nation safe,” said chairman Tim Scott.
The bill mandates that CFIUS member agencies annually update and review lists of critical military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites. This requirement addresses a significant weakness in the current system, where outdated information has prevented proper security reviews of potentially dangerous foreign land acquisitions. By maintaining current records of sensitive locations, CFIUS will have the necessary information to conduct thorough national security reviews of foreign property transactions that could threaten American defense capabilities.
Chinese Land Grab Near Military Base Exposed Vulnerabilities
The need for this legislation became apparent in 2022 when the Fufeng Group, a Chinese company with ties to the CCP, attempted to purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. Despite the obvious security concerns, CFIUS was unable to properly assess the risks because the Department of Defense had not designated the base as a sensitive site. This bureaucratic oversight nearly allowed a Chinese company to establish operations just 12 miles from a base that houses critical intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities.
The City of Grand Forks ultimately blocked the purchase, but the incident revealed dangerous gaps in America’s national security protocols. The “Protect Our Bases Act” would ensure that similar attempts by foreign adversaries to establish surveillance positions near military installations would face proper scrutiny. This represents a crucial step in President Trump’s commitment to putting America’s security interests first and countering Chinese espionage efforts on American soil.
Republican Senators Lead Effort to Counter Foreign Threats
Senator Katie Britt (R-AL), a key supporter of the legislation, emphasized the urgency of addressing this security vulnerability. “As the threat of our foreign adversaries grows, especially from the Chinese Communist Party, it’s paramount that we secure our intelligence,” stated Senator Britt. The senator characterized the legislation as “just common sense,” reflecting the practical approach Republicans are taking to safeguard American security interests while the Biden-Harris administration has allowed Chinese interests to purchase land near sensitive military sites.
The bill has gained strong support from Republican lawmakers who recognize the existential threat posed by Chinese infiltration efforts. Co-sponsors include Senators Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and other Republican committee members. This coordinated effort demonstrates the Republican Party’s commitment to national security and willingness to take concrete steps to protect America’s military and intelligence capabilities from foreign surveillance and interference.
Part of Broader Strategy to Protect American Interests
The “Protect Our Bases Act” is part of a comprehensive Republican legislative strategy to counter foreign threats to American security and sovereignty. Senator Britt has also supported other critical measures including the Not One More Inch or Acre Act, the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, and the Promoting Agriculture Safeguards and Security (PASS) Act. These initiatives collectively aim to prevent foreign adversaries from gaining control over strategic American assets, whether military installations or agricultural land.
By requiring CFIUS agencies to report annually to Congress on sensitive military sites, the legislation adds an additional layer of accountability and oversight. This transparency will ensure that security vulnerabilities are identified and addressed promptly, rather than being discovered only after foreign entities have already attempted to exploit them. The enhanced review process will give security officials the tools they need to protect America’s most sensitive military and intelligence installations from foreign surveillance efforts.
The Republican-led initiative stands in stark contrast to the weak stance on China that characterized previous administrations. With President Trump’s leadership, this legislation represents a significant step toward securing America’s military installations and protecting the intelligence capabilities that are essential to national defense. By closing the security gaps that foreign adversaries have sought to exploit, the “Protect Our Bases Act” puts America’s security interests first and demonstrates Republicans’ commitment to countering the Chinese Communist Party’s global ambitions.
