Us Congress House Bill HB458

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/15/25
• Refer: 1/15/25

Caption

Protecting our Land Act This bill requires the President to direct federal agencies to promulgate rules and regulations to prohibit foreign adversaries or state sponsors of terrorism from purchasing real estate located in the United States.

Impact

The introduction of this bill has significant implications for state laws regarding property rights and foreign investment. By placing restrictions on foreign entities, especially those deemed adversarial or involved in terrorism, the bill seeks to create a more secure environment for U.S. citizens. However, this move could lead to complicated legal situations for foreign-owned businesses and could impact international relations, especially with countries that have existing investment interests in the U.S. real estate market.

Summary

House Bill 458, titled the 'Protecting our Land Act,' aims to prohibit the purchase of both public and private real estate in the United States by foreign adversaries and state sponsors of terrorism. The bill mandates that the President direct federal departments and agencies to create rules and regulations that enforce this prohibition. By restricting real estate purchases, the bill seeks to safeguard national security interests and prevent potential threats that could arise from foreign ownership of U.S. land and properties.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 458 include concerns from property rights advocates who argue that blanket prohibitions may unfairly impact legitimate foreign investors. Critics fear that this legislation may discourage international investment, leading to a potential economic downturn in areas where real estate sales are significantly influenced by foreign capital. Furthermore, defining what constitutes a 'foreign adversary' and a 'state sponsor of terrorism' could lead to subjective interpretations, raising issues of fairness and transparency.

Congress_id

119-HR-458

Policy_area

International Affairs

Introduced_date

2025-01-15