Legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC) would strengthen national security by requiring national agencies to update records about properties that could be considered sensitive to national security.
The Protect Our Bases Act would require member agencies, like the military, national intelligence and national laboratories, to update records of military, intelligence, and national laboratory facilities that should be designated as sensitive sites for national security purposes with the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS).
“The Chinese Communist Party’s efforts to infiltrate and surveil all parts of the U.S national security apparatus requires vigilance from our national security agencies,” Scott said. “This legislation will enhance the review of foreign real estate transactions near critical national security installations, helping ensure CFIUS has the information it needs to protect our homeland and keep our nation safe.”
Scott, the chair of the Senate Banking Committee, introduced the bill, along with U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Thom Tillis (R-NC), John Kennedy (R-LA), Bill Hagerty (R-TN), Katie Britt (R-AL), Pete Ricketts (R-NB), Jim Banks (R-ID), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Dave McCormick (R-PA).
The legislation comes after an incident in 2022 when a Chinese company Fufeng Group, with ties to the Chinese Community Party, announced it would purchase land near Grand Forks Air Force Base in North Dakota. CFIUS determined it could not evaluate the transaction for national security risks because the property had not been listed as sensitive by the U.S. Department of Defense. Officials said it pointed out a flaw in the CFIUS review process.
“We must address the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party and other hostile regimes trying to get close to our most sensitive military and intelligence sites,” Tillis said. “The Protect Our Bases Act ensures the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States has the most up-to-date information on key U.S. national security locations so dangerous land purchases can be blocked well before they become security risks.”
The purchase was ultimately blocked by the City of Grand Forks, officials said.
The legislation would also require agencies to make the updated records easier for CFIUS to use for national security reviews and would require CFIUS to submit an annual report to Congress certifying the completion of any reviews and the accuracy of its real estate listings.