HR 4706119th CongressIn Committee

Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act

Introduced: Jul 23, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Miller, Mary E. [R-IL-15] (R-Illinois)

Agriculture & FoodDefense & National Security

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H.R. 4706, the Protecting Our Farms and Homes from China Act, would bar certain foreign entities from acquiring or leasing United States agricultural land and would impose strict divestment requirements for any existing holdings. It also imposes a temporary prohibition on purchasing residential real estate by covered foreign entities for a two-year “covered period,” with the possibility of future two-year extensions by the President. The bill creates enforcement mechanisms including fines, criminal penalties, and land forfeiture for violations, and requires implementation guidance and a monitoring office within relevant agencies. Overall, the measure aims to reduce foreign (notably Chinese-affiliated) influence over U.S. agricultural land and housing inventory, with significant penalties for noncompliance.

Key Points

1Definition of covered foreign entity
2- Includes: entities incorporated in the People’s Republic of China (including Hong Kong and Macau SARs), various Chinese-government-affiliated or controlled entities, and individuals in key roles (board members, executives) with ties to these Chinese entities; and affiliates acting on their behalf.
3Prohibition of acquiring or leasing U.S. agricultural land
4- Covered foreign entities may not acquire or lease United States agricultural land.
5- Divestment: must divest within 1 year of enactment; entities with existing holdings must sign a letter of intent to divest within 180 days.
6- Penalties: fines of $100 per acre per day for holdings in violation; criminal penalties up to 5 years’ imprisonment, or both; potential forfeiture of violated land to the United States with public auction.
7- Noncompete agreements: any noncompete agreements with employees of a covered foreign entity are void.
8Implementation and enforcement
9- Requires guidance and regulations within 180 days; establishes an office within the Department of Agriculture to monitor compliance and impose fines; Secretary (Agriculture) and Attorney General coordinate on enforcement.
10Temporary prohibition on purchasing residential real estate
11- A two-year “covered period” during which a covered foreign entity cannot purchase residential real estate in the United States.
12- Divestment: must divest from all residential units within 1 year of enactment.
13- Penalties: $1,000 per day per residential unit owned in violation.
14- Enforcement: Attorney General may seize assets and seek injunctive relief; presidential extensions possible every two years to extend the covered period.
15Reporting and implementation
16- Secretary (Commerce) and Attorney General to issue guidance/regulations; an office within the Department of Commerce will monitor residential real estate provisions and fines.
17- A report to Congress due within 540 days detailing the impact on the housing market and affordability.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- Covered foreign entities (especially Chinese-government-affiliated actors) and any of their affiliates that currently own or lease U.S. agricultural land or residential property.- U.S. landowners and farmers who rely on agricultural land for farming, ranching, timber, or related processing activities.Secondary group/area affected- Real estate markets and housing supply/affordability in the United States (due to the temporary residential prohibition and mandatory divestment).- Federal and state agencies: Department of Agriculture, Department of Commerce, Department of Justice; local governments and lenders involved in agricultural and residential property transactions.Additional impacts- Compliance costs and administrative burden for entities and government agencies; potential legal challenges or questions about scope and enforcement; possible effects on foreign investment sentiment and housing finance.- Policy certainty regarding who is covered and how divestment would be conducted, including the sale of forfeited land at public auction.

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