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Proposal makes some “elevated risk” real estate deals unresolvable

Proposal makes some “elevated risk” real estate deals unresolvable

Last week, we noted that the House had approved an overhaul of federal agricultural policy, which included numerous national security provisions. But it lacked new restrictions on Chinese ownership of U.S. farmland, as some had proposed. A newly reintroduced bill would change that. Details inside.

Lawmakers question “thousands of acres” in China-linked JV transfer

Lawmakers question “thousands of acres” in China-linked JV transfer

A group of Congressional leaders is urging CFIUS to review a land transfer in central Arizona. The conveyance involves Resolution Copper Mining, a joint venture of two international mining companies that have “significant ties to the People’s Republic of China.” Details, maps, and the letter are inside.

Legislator wants CFIUS to look back to 2017 and review deals near nukes

Legislator wants CFIUS to look back to 2017 and review deals near nukes

A Congressional leader has proposed legislation that would force CFIUS to look back nearly a decade, and review all foreign transactions involving real estate, businesses, critical infrastructure, or assets near the “nuclear triad.” The bill was triggered by a trailer park incident we covered last year. Details inside.

Study shows Part 1 of CFIUS real estate rules “functionally irrelevant”

Study shows Part 1 of CFIUS real estate rules “functionally irrelevant”

A new research report analyzing foreign real-estate data has found that the only effective national-security screening tool for agricultural land is the 100-mile zone in “Part 2” of the rules. According to the report, the one-mile threshold in “Part 1” is “functionally irrelevant” for agricultural land.

Arizona bill would ban foreign adversary use of drones, sensors

Arizona bill would ban foreign adversary use of drones, sensors

Arizona is the latest state to advance legislation that would restrict foreign adversaries from buying property. The state had already passed a similar law in 2025, but the new bill closes loopholes and adds restrictions around installation or use of drones, antennas, sensors, and more. Detail, bill inside.

Oklahoma ban on China-owned farmland exempts Smithfield

Oklahoma ban on China-owned farmland exempts Smithfield

The state of Oklahoma has implemented a ban on land ownership by adversarial nations, including China. However, the legislation includes a carve-out for Smithfield Foods, an entity with Chinese ownership and extensive farmland in Oklahoma. Details and the provisions are inside.

Trailer parks and B-2 bombers: A new proximity issue for CFIUS?

Trailer parks and B-2 bombers: A new proximity issue for CFIUS?

This may be the first CFIUS matter we’ve seen that involves a trailer park. A Missouri Congressman is urging the Committee to review several China-linked shell companies that allegedly purchased a mobile-home community adjacent to Whiteman Air Force Base, home to the B-2 Stealth Bomber.

Should CFIUS review “Chinese land grab” for wildfire-ravaged land?

Should CFIUS review “Chinese land grab” for wildfire-ravaged land?

A Florida Senator is urging CFIUS to review reports that Chinese investors are taking advantage of the recent California wildfires to buy land. According to a letter to the Treasury Secretary, the Chinese are attempting “to infiltrate our nation at the expense of wildfire victims and our national security.”

Quick recap on recent state-level foreign ownership restrictions

Quick recap on recent state-level foreign ownership restrictions

A research center on agriculture and food law has provided a nice quick update on the 2025 legislative developments in Idaho, Kentucky, Utah, and other states. According to the update, in 2025 “most states considered at least one bill aimed at enacting or amending a foreign ownership law.” Details inside.

Texas latest state to restrict foreign ownership of land and real estate

Texas latest state to restrict foreign ownership of land and real estate

As expected, Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a law that prohibits individuals and entities from China and other designated countries from owning real property in the state. A similar law in Florida is being challenged as unconstitutional. Details, plus an update on the “Texas CFIUS,” are inside.

Senators float bill preventing land purchase near military installations

Senators float bill preventing land purchase near military installations

A group of U.S. Senators have floated a bill that would expand CFIUS’s jurisdiction around military installations. Among other things, the bill would include real estate investments by foreign adversaries that are within 50 miles of certain military locations, like training routes. Details inside.

Three Senators float restrictive bill on U.S. land acquisition by Chinese

Three Senators float restrictive bill on U.S. land acquisition by Chinese

Three U.S. Senators have reintroduced legislation would prevent any Chinese individual or business with ties to the Chinese Communist Party from owning American land. The proposal echoes recent law in Florida, the enforcement of which was later prohibited by a U.S. Court of Appeals. Details inside.

Final rule published adding military installations to CFIUS jurisdiction

Final rule published adding military installations to CFIUS jurisdiction

As expected, Treasury has issued a final rule that expands CFIUS’s ability to review real estate transactions near more than 60 military sites. We covered the original proposal back in July; Treasury Secretary Yellen says the move will “significantly expand” CFIUS’s real estate capabilities.

Florida is the latest state to restrict foreign ownership of real estate

Florida is the latest state to restrict foreign ownership of real estate

As we’ve covered extensively, several U.S. states have taken action to regulate foreign investment within their borders. Florida is the latest to place restrictions on entities or individuals from certain “countries of concern,” including China, Russia, Iran and others. Details and other state actions inside.

CFIUS may have lacked jurisdiction in battery deal with China’s Gotion

CFIUS may have lacked jurisdiction in battery deal with China’s Gotion

According to media reports, China-based battery firm Gotion has been given the go-ahead by CFIUS to build a battery factory in the southern U.S. But don’t assume that CFIUS reviewed the deal and found no national security concerns: It may have been a “greenfield” deal. Details, insights inside.

CFIUS says it lacks jurisdiction in case involving Fufeng in N. Dakota

CFIUS says it lacks jurisdiction in case involving Fufeng in N. Dakota

Okay, it’s official. Despite the urging — and now criticism — of Congressional leaders, CFIUS has decided that Fufeng USA’s purchase of more than 300 acres of land in Grand Forks, North Dakota, is not a covered transaction. Details, reactions, and a (rare) copy of the CFIUS correspondence is inside.

Encouraging sign? CFIUS clears Chinese wind farm deal

Encouraging sign? CFIUS clears Chinese wind farm deal

CFIUS recently cleared a greenfield wind farm in Texas, which is to be built by a subsidiary of a Shanghai-listed energy company. The deal would have been subject to the real estate provisions of FIRRMA, as it’s located near Laughlin Air Force Base. Details, insights, source materials, and contact information is inside.