Two lawmakers are introducing a bipartisan bill designed to strengthen the United States’ agricultural supply chains against vulnerabilities and potential foreign exploitation.
Representative Ashley Hinson of Iowa will introduce the Securing American Agriculture Act in the House of Representatives, while Senator Pete Ricketts of Nebraska will present it in the Senate. The proposed legislation requires the Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct an annual assessment identifying supply chain risks, gaps in domestic production, and possible threats linked to foreign influence.
The bill also instructs the Agriculture Secretary to recommend strategies for reducing reliance on foreign adversaries in order to protect the nation’s food security and strengthen domestic manufacturing.
Supporters of the bill emphasize the risks posed by dependence on key agricultural inputs supplied by foreign entities. Hinson stressed that if such supplies were cut off, food production in the U.S. could be severely impacted. She described the bill as an important step to reduce foreign influence and increase reliance on domestic resources.
Ricketts highlighted the security risks posed by strategic control over critical food and agriculture sectors, warning that losing access to vital inputs could reduce productivity, increase food prices, and threaten national security.
The bill has bipartisan support from several lawmakers, including members of both the House and Senate. Key supporters include House China Committee Ranking Member Raja Krishnamoorthi, Chairman John Moolenaar, Representative Jill Tokuda, Representative Sharice Davids, and Representative Scott Franklin. In the Senate, backing comes from Senator Elissa Slotkin, Senator James Risch, Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Senator Eric Schmitt, Senator Mike Crapo, Senator Cynthia Lummis, Senator Deb Fischer, and Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso.
Slotkin emphasized that “food security is national security,” underscoring the importance of protecting the nation’s agricultural industry from foreign threats.
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