U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, along with Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Katie Britt (R-Ala.) today introduced the Protect Our Bases Act to ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) can review foreign land purchases near sensitive military, intelligence, and national laboratory sites by requiring member agencies to annually update and review their lists of these sites.
“The Chinese Communist Party can’t be allowed to compromise the security of military and government facilities on our home turf,” said Senator Scott. “By enhancing the review of foreign real estate transactions near sites that are vital to U.S. national security, this legislation will increase accountability to help ensure the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States can take proper action to push back on Communist China and keep our nation safe.”
“Idaho is home to the world-renowned Idaho National Laboratory and military bases and installations responsible for research, development and training of critical national security importance,” said Senator Crapo. “We must protect sensitive military and government sites from encroachment by foreign adversaries on our own land.”
“As President Biden’s weakness on the world stage has emboldened our adversaries, we must take action to protect the United States from potential national security threats,” said Senator Daines.“Purchasing land around sensitive intelligence sites and national labs gives foreign nations increased ability to spy on the U.S.—it must be stopped.”
Read full text of the bill here.
