Lubbock Times

House Budget Chairman Jodey Arrington (TX-19) has introduced the Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act to ensure the security of U.S. Department of Defense installations and training areas. This legislative proposal aims to curb the acquisition of specific properties by foreign individuals acting for countries such as Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea.

Arrington remarked, "It is supremely naïve and dangerous to allow foreign actors affiliated with our greatest adversaries to purchase land next to U.S. military installations. I’m proud to lead this common sense cause to prevent these dangerous land grabs that threaten our national security and the safety of my fellow Americans."

The Senate has parallel legislation submitted by Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX), who stressed the urgency of the situation. Cruz noted, "Foreign adversaries are exploiting loopholes to acquire land near our military bases and training routes, jeopardizing the safety of our troops and the integrity of our operations. I am proud to introduce this legislation, which will block our adversaries from acquiring assets that could undermine our defense. I urge the Senate to expeditiously take it up and pass it."

The core of the Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act is to expand the remit of the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States. This expansion would encompass real estate investments by entities affiliated with the aforementioned nations within 100 miles of military installations or 50 miles of military operation areas.