Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 4706
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Agriculture and Food
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.
- Last Updated
- 2026-03-13T08:05:45Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to restrict specific foreign entities linked to the People's Republic of China from acquiring, owning, or leasing agricultural land and residential real estate in the United States.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: The bill defines "agricultural land" as property used for farming, ranching, timber, food processing, or recently idle land previously used for those purposes. A "covered foreign entity" includes corporations incorporated in China (including Hong Kong and Macau), entities acting for the Chinese government, individuals or groups tied to the Chinese Communist Party, and their affiliates or leaders.
- Agricultural land restrictions: Covered entities are barred from acquiring or leasing U.S. agricultural land. Existing owners or lessees must divest within one year and sign a letter of intent within 180 days. Violations trigger daily fines of $100 per acre, possible criminal penalties up to five years in prison, and forfeiture of the land for public auction. Noncompete agreements with employees become unenforceable.
- Residential real estate restrictions: Covered entities may not purchase residential properties (such as single-family homes, condos, townhouses, or zoned land) during a two-year period starting on enactment, which the President may extend by two years at a time. Existing owners must divest within one year. Daily fines of $1,000 per unit apply for violations.
- Implementation and enforcement: The Secretary of Agriculture must create an office to monitor compliance and issue fines for agricultural land. The Secretary of Commerce does the same for residential real estate. Both coordinate with the Attorney General, who can seize assets or seek court orders. A report on housing market effects is due within 540 days.
- Guidance: Agencies must issue rules within 180 days.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill creates new federal prohibitions and mandatory divestment rules targeting specific foreign ownership of U.S. land, going beyond prior review processes. It adds criminal penalties, automatic forfeiture, and nullification of certain employment contracts not previously required under federal statutes. Existing forfeiture procedures under title 18 of the U.S. Code are adapted for these violations.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The Departments of Agriculture and Commerce gain new monitoring offices and enforcement duties; the Department of Justice handles criminal cases and asset seizures.
- Citizens: U.S. farmers, landowners, and homebuyers may see changes in land availability and market prices; employees of covered entities lose enforceability of noncompete agreements.
- International relations: The measures apply only to entities tied to China, which could affect diplomatic ties and cross-border investment.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Covered foreign entities connected to China or the Chinese Communist Party.
- U.S. agricultural producers and residential property owners.
- Federal agencies including Agriculture, Commerce, and Justice.
- American citizens involved in farming, housing, or employment with affected entities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The targeted focus on one country raises potential questions about equal protection under the law. Forfeiture of property and mandatory divestment could involve due process considerations. The bill's criminal and civil penalties represent an expansion of federal authority over private land transactions.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15]
Cosponsors (21)
Rep. Harrigan, Pat [R-NC-10], Rep. Norman, Ralph [R-SC-5], Rep. Gosar, Paul A. [R-AZ-9], Rep. Onder, Robert F. [R-MO-3], Rep. Stutzman, Marlin A. [R-IN-3], Rep. Burchett, Tim [R-TN-2], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Tiffany, Thomas P. [R-WI-7], Rep. Harris, Andy [R-MD-1], Rep. Wied, Tony [R-WI-8], Rep. Rulli, Michael A. [R-OH-6], Rep. Crane, Elijah [R-AZ-2], Rep. Kennedy, Mike [R-UT-3], Rep. Edwards, Chuck [R-NC-11], Rep. Boebert, Lauren [R-CO-4], Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Harris, Mark [R-NC-8], Rep. Hageman, Harriet M. [R-WY-At Large], Rep. Biggs, Sheri [R-SC-3], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. Hern, Kevin [R-OK-1]
Recent Actions
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.
- 2025-07-23: Referred to the Committee on Agriculture, and in addition to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, 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.
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in House
- 2025-07-23: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act — issued 2025-07-23 — PDF (10 pages)