Contact Congress about H.R. 8700: Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites From Foreign Adversaries Act

Some foreign buyers would face tougher checks before buying or leasing U.S. land near key sites. The bill also brings farmland and food security into more national security reviews.

Modern Action explains legislation in plain English, helps you choose whether to support, oppose, or ask for changes, and drafts a message tied to the bill, your stance, and the elected officials who can act on it.

Protecting U.S. Farmland and Sensitive Sites From Foreign Adversaries Act is a House bill in committee. The latest recorded action: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Latest action on H.R. 8700: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committees on Foreign Affairs, and Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.

Who this affects: This bill mainly affects foreign adversary governments, companies tied to them, U.S. sellers and landlords, and people involved in farmland or real estate near sensitive sites. It could also affect states that already limit foreign land ownership, because the bill says broad state laws can still apply.

Why this matters: This bill matters because land near key U.S. sites can create security risks, and the bill would make those deals harder to complete without review. It also treats farmland, food, water, and agricultural technology as part of national security. The practical effect depends on how CFIUS and the executive branch write and apply the rules.

Key provisions in H.R. 8700

• The bill names six foreign adversary countries for these rules. They are China, including its Special Administrative Regions, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Venezuela.
• The bill covers more than foreign governments. It also covers entities under those countries' laws or control, and entities those countries own, direct, or control.
• The bill creates a new higher-risk land deal category called an elevated risk real estate transaction. It includes port-related land, land near sensitive sites, land that could help collect intelligence, land that could expose national security work, and some agricultural land already reported under federal rules.
• The bill expands what counts as a sensitive site. The list includes military sites, special-use airspace, intelligence and NASA facilities, research centers, key telecom and data sites, airports, seaports, power plants, and sites added by the Secretaries of Defense or Homeland Security.
• CFIUS would have to consider food, water, and agriculture needs when reviewing covered deals. CFIUS is the federal group that checks foreign investments for national security risks.

How Modern Action helps you take action on H.R. 8700

You do not have to start with a blank letter. Modern Action turns the bill, your position, and the relevant congressional context into a message you can edit and send. The goal is to make contacting Congress clear, specific, and useful without forcing you to parse bill text or figure out the right office on your own.

Questions people ask about H.R. 8700

What is H.R. 8700?

Some foreign buyers would face tougher checks before buying or leasing U.S. land near key sites. The bill also brings farmland and food security into more national security reviews.

How do I support or oppose H.R. 8700?

Choose support, oppose, or ask for changes on Modern Action. The action flow drafts the message for you and keeps the wording tied to this bill.

Who should I contact about H.R. 8700?

Modern Action uses your location to route the action to the congressional offices relevant to the bill and your representation.

Can Modern Action explain H.R. 8700 before I act?

Yes. Modern Action gives you a plain-English summary, current status, and action context before you send anything.