Political Quotes

“Madam President, with regards to Rounds amendment No. 813 to S. 2226, the FY24 National Defense Authorization Act, I share the sponsor's national security concerns, especially in reference to the purchase of agricultural lands by companies affiliated with the People's Republic of China, and appreciate the sponsor's effort to improve review of these sales. However, I am also deeply concerned by issues that have been raised with respect to civil liberties and want to ensure that no one is discriminated against or viewed as a national security threat simply because of where they were born. As written, the language seems to equate individuals from the specified countries as synonymous with their governments. Under this provision, if an individual with a valid visa, who has no connection to one of the governments listed, seeks to buy agricultural property above a certain threshold, the U.S. Government would deny them the ability to proceed with the purchase simply because of their national origin. While the national security concerns this amendment seeks to address are real, we must not discriminate on individuals based on national origin, race, or ethnicity. I voted in favor of my colleagues' amendment in order to continue the conversation on this important issue, but will not support any final provision that does not resolve these civil liberties concerns. ____________________”