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Hudson Valley Congressman Josh Riley has announced his support for a proposal from the Trump Administration to ban Chinese purchases of farmland in the United States. Representing New York's 19th District, Riley believes the ban is crucial for protecting national security and supporting American farmers and ranchers.
According to the Daily Freeman, Riley, a Democrat from Ithaca, had previously signed onto federal legislation in February aimed at preventing such purchases in upstate New York. This aligns with the broader national effort led by the Trump Administration.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) reports that foreign investors currently hold interests in over 40 million acres of American agricultural land. The proposed ban seeks to address concerns over foreign influence and control over critical agricultural resources.
Riley's support for the proposal underscores a bipartisan concern over foreign ownership of U.S. farmland, particularly by Chinese entities. The plan is part of a larger strategy to ensure that American agricultural assets remain under domestic control.