Us Congress House Bill HB620

Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/25
• Refer: 1/22/25
• Refer: 2/28/25

Caption

FARM Act Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act

Impact

The implications of HB620 extend to how the federal government will oversee foreign transactions and influence within the agriculture sector. By including agriculture representatives in the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States and requiring thorough evaluations of foreign investments, the bill seeks to ensure that potential threats to agricultural systems and supply chains are addressed before they can have adverse effects. This move is intended to enhance national security by protecting vital agricultural resources from foreign interference and control.

Summary

HB620, known as the Foreign Adversary Risk Management Act or FARM Act, aims to amend the Defense Production Act of 1950 by integrating the U.S. agriculture sector into the scope of scrutiny regarding foreign investments and influence. Specifically, the bill seeks to prevent potential harm and disruption to the agriculture industry by enhancing the review process of foreign investments, particularly those that could jeopardize U.S. agricultural production and supply chains. The legislation emphasizes the need for a more proactive approach to safeguarding agriculture from foreign adversaries who may exert control or influence over critical supply chains.

Contention

Despite its protective intentions, HB620 may spur debate regarding the balance between necessary oversight and the potential overreach of government authority in regulating foreign investments. Critics may argue that excessive regulations could discourage beneficial foreign collaborations and investments which might benefit the agriculture industry, while proponents would assert the need for stringent measures to combat increasing foreign control and espionage threats to agricultural innovation and productivity. This dichotomy raises questions about how best to protect domestic industries without stifling economic partnerships.

Congress_id

119-HR-620

Policy_area

Foreign Trade and International Finance

Introduced_date

2025-01-22