H.R.809 - Securing America’s Land from Foreign Interference Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 809, the "Securing America’s Land from Foreign Interference Act," directs the President to prohibit the purchase of public or private real estate in the United States by members of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and entities under the CCP's ownership, control, or influence. The bill aims to safeguard U.S. land from potential foreign interference. It defines "United States" to include states, territories, and possessions.
Expected Effects
If enacted, this bill would restrict real estate purchases by specific foreign entities. This could impact international relations and foreign investment. It may also affect property values in certain areas.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced national security by limiting potential foreign influence.
- Protection of critical infrastructure and resources.
- Increased public confidence in government efforts to safeguard national interests.
- Potential reduction in unfair competition in the real estate market.
- Addresses concerns about foreign espionage and data collection.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for strained relations with China.
- Possible retaliatory measures from China affecting U.S. businesses and interests abroad.
- Risk of legal challenges based on discrimination or violation of property rights.
- Potential negative impact on foreign investment in the U.S. real estate market.
- Increased administrative burden for monitoring and enforcing the restrictions.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's constitutionality could be debated under the Fifth Amendment's due process clause and the Fourteenth Amendment's equal protection clause, particularly if the restrictions are seen as discriminatory. However, the federal government has broad powers over foreign affairs and national security, which could justify such restrictions. The Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8) could also be invoked to regulate foreign investment in real estate.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).