To amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978 to increase the minimum amount of a civil penalty imposed for violating such Act, and for other purposes.
Impact
The amendment would significantly elevate the financial repercussions for entities that fail to comply with disclosure requirements set forth in the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act. By raising the minimum civil penalty, the bill attempts to deter violations and ensure that foreign entities adhere to the proper channels of investment in the agricultural sector. This could lead to a more robust enforcement mechanism, fostering greater transparency and accountability in foreign agricultural investments.
Summary
House Bill 1789 seeks to amend the Agricultural Foreign Investment Disclosure Act of 1978, specifically focusing on increasing the minimum civil penalty imposed for certain violations of the Act. The proposed change stipulates that penalties should be at least 50% rather than the previous limit of 25%. This change reflects an intention to intensify the regulatory framework surrounding foreign investments in agriculture, aiming for greater compliance and protection of domestic agricultural and economic interests.
Contention
Discussions surrounding HB1789 might yield contention regarding the sufficiency and appropriateness of the proposed penalties. Opponents may argue that increasing penalties could disproportionately affect smaller entities or undermine investment opportunities as stricter penalties may deter potential foreign investors. Conversely, proponents of the bill may argue that heightened penalties are necessary to protect domestic agriculture from potentially harmful foreign investment practices, ensuring that all stakeholders operate under a clear and rigorous regulatory framework.
Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act or the FARM Act This bill places the Secretary of Agriculture on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. It also requires the committee to review any investment that could result in foreign control of any U.S. agricultural business. Further, the bill includes agricultural systems and supply chains in the definitions of critical infrastructure and critical technologies for the purposes of reviewing such investments. The Department of Agriculture and the Government Accountability Office must each analyze and report on foreign influence in the U.S. agricultural industry.
To direct the President to impose sanctions against foreign persons determined to have knowingly engaged in significant corruption in Mexico, and for other purposes.