(Editor’s Note: The following column was submitted by Rep. Tom Emmer.)
As we approach the August work period, our office continues its work to address some of the most important issues facing our country. We have supported legislation to reduce the price of fuel, address the lawlessness at our southern border, and improve the safety of our schools and communities. We are also working to tackle an issue of growing concern: food security.
Defending our Food Security
Over the past few months, many of us have experienced empty shelves and shortages on necessities. Like so many of the challenges our country is facing today, we must rely on resources produced here at home.
It is crucial that we can rely on our agricultural resources for generations to come. That is why it is so alarming that over the last decade, foreign entities have been buying up American farmland. Between 2010 and 2020, Chinese ownership of our farmland has surged significantly, from 13,720 acres to 352,140 acres.
America’s food security is our national security—and we must understand the identities and intentions of those purchasing American agriculture land. This week, we sent a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack urging him to clarify the transparency and reporting standards required of foreign entities seeking to acquire U.S. farmland.
Earlier this year, I also served as an original cosponsor of Representative Dan Newhouse’s Prohibition of Agricultural Land for the People’s Republic of China Act to stop the purchase of important resources by our nation’s rivals.
Foreign investment in our country is a critical component of our economy. However, an overreliance on foreign nations when it comes to our food production can present serious national security concerns for the United States.
An Exceptional Minnesotan
As a member of Congress, I have had the opportunity to recognize some of the most extraordinary members of the Sixth District. One of these constituents is Marena Kouba, a former Saint Cloud State University swim team captain.
In 2020, Marena was vacationing on Little Presque Isle in Michigan when she noticed three swimmers, one adult and two children, struggling. Without hesitation, Marena dove in to help. While her boyfriend called 9-1-1 from the shore, Marena told the swimmers to link arms as she pulled them back to safety. The Coast Guard arrived just as she pulled them to shore.
Last week, I was honored to present Marena with the Carnegie Medal. This award goes to individuals who risk extreme danger to save the lives of others. Marena is one of 18 civilians to receive the award in 2022.
We are incredibly grateful to Marena for her selfless act of heroism. She is the best of Minnesota, and it was an honor to recognize her with this well-deserved award.
Defending our Right to Privacy
Far too often, Americans’ right to privacy has been treated as disposable. Read my latest blog post on the issue of privacy, specifically as it relates to IRS data breaches.
