Katie Britt opposes Chinese purchase of American farmland
During a Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs hearing, U.S. Sen. Katie Britt expressed her concerns about the Chinese Communist Party’s growing influence and alleged aggression around the world. “I believe that one acre of American farmland owned by the Chinese Communist Party is one acre too many.” Senator Britt directed her line of questioning to Clay Lowery, the former Assistant Secretary for International Affairs at the U.S. Department of the Treasury and former Director of International Finance at the National Security Council. Lowery also previously chaired the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). CFIUS is the government committee that reviews international mergers and acquisitions that may affect national security interests. “Before we start talking about sanctions, I wanted to take a moment to talk about the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS),” Sen. Britt said. “In 2021, the U.S. Department of Agriculture noted that foreign investors held 40 million acres of our farmland. This has occurred, since 2015, at a tune of about 2.2 million acres a year. I have heard from Alabamians as I travel across our state, and this is a concern for them – specifically, the Chinese Communist Party and their willingness and their efforts and their deliberate and intentional attempts to buy up fertile U.S. farmland. I believe food security is national security. Food security is economic security. I believe that one acre of American farmland owned by the Chinese Communist Party is one acre too many. Additionally, I think there is another layer of national security concern that we’re allowing China to buy up farmland near our military installations. It is completely and totally unacceptable.” “So, my question, Mr. Lowery, for you as a former chairman of CFIUS, when it comes to ensuring we have a strong agriculture voice at the table when these decisions are being made, do you agree that it’s reasonable the Secretary of Agriculture should be involved as a member of CFIUS?” Britt said. Lowery responded, “I think it is totally reasonable.” Lowery affirmed that the Secretary of Agriculture should likely be involved in CFIUS in “a systematic way.” Britt is a cosponsor of the Foreign Adversary Risk Management (FARM) Act, which Senator Tommy Tuberville introduced. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen an alarming increase in foreign purchases of farmland and food companies, particularly by China,” said Sen. Tuberville. “These foreign investments are now reaching every piece of the very large puzzle that makes up our agriculture industry, from farming and processing, to packaging and shipping. That’s why America’s agriculture community needs to have a permanent seat at the table when our government vets foreign investment in our country. Adding all parts of the agricultural supply chain to the list of transactions reviewed by CFIUS is the first step toward ensuring America’s agricultural suppliers can keep food on tables across the country.” This bill would crack down on the CCP’s growing ownership of U.S. farmland and agricultural companies by placing the Secretary of Agriculture on CFIUS; requiring the committee to review any investment that could result in foreign control of any U.S. agricultural business; including farming systems and supply chains in the definitions of critical infrastructure and critical technologies to review such investments; and mandating that the Department of Agriculture and the Government Accountability Office must each analyze and report on foreign influence in the U.S. agricultural industry. “The spy balloon was only the latest, most visible instance in an ongoing trend of aggressive behavior by the Chinese Communist Party,” Britt stated last week. “There is no doubt that the CCP is our greatest geopolitical and national security threat, and everything they do is as our adversary. The FBI has said that they open a new counterintelligence case against China about twice per day. From stealing our intellectual property and spying on our children through TikTok to buying up American farmland and engaging in unfair trade practices that undercut Alabama steelmakers and shrimpers, we must hold the CCP accountable. We accomplish this through strength, not continued weakness, which is why I’m committed to modernizing our defense and intelligence capabilities. I’ll continue to fight to put hardworking Alabamians first while protecting our homeland.” It is estimated that Chinese investors own 192,000 acres of American farmland worth about $1.9 billion. It is not just an American phenomenon, as Chinese investors have been buying farmland in many nations over the last decade. A Chinese firm, Shuanghui International Holdings Ltd, also was allowed to buy Virginia-based Smithfield Foods – the largest pork producer in the world and one of America’s largest meatpackers for $4.7 billion – more than the company’s book value – in 2013. Some American consumers have complained that the price they pay for sausage and bacon has climbed as more and more of the company’s U.S. pork is exported to China. While young American farmers struggle to raise money to buy land to get into the farming business or grow an inherited farm, foreign investors own 40 million acres of American farmland, and foreign investments in American farmland is a growing trend. Katie Britt is the ranking member of the Homeland Security subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Appropriations and a member of the National Security and International Trade and Finance Subcommittee of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Severe weather possible today
The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (EMA) warns that severe weather across Alabama is possible from Wednesday afternoon through the early morning hours on Thursday. A second bout of severe weather is forecast for Friday is also possible. Jim Stefkovich is an EMA meteorologist. “Scattered showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop across the state Wednesday afternoon into the early morning hours of Thursday,” Stefkovich wrote. “Between Hwy 80/I-85 and I-20, a couple of storms could produce large hail and straight-line wind gusts to 60 mph between 1 pm and 11 pm.” “North of I-20, the threat will be longer duration, from 1 pm through 4 am Thursday, as an upper-level disturbance passes through the area,” Stefkovich continued. “Large hail, straight-line wind gusts to 60 mph, and heavy rainfall will be the threats. The tornado threat is minimal across the entire region, and widespread severe weather is not expected.” “The entire state is under a Slight Risk for severe weather Friday,” Stefcovich continued. “A very fast-moving line of storms ahead of a cold front will race across the state, entering the western portions between 4 am and 8 am and exiting the eastern sections by 12 pm. Due to how fast the line is moving, plus storms within the line moving at speeds near or above 60 mph, there is some concern for widespread damage as the high wind momentum is transported to the ground. There could also be a few tornadoes embedded within the line as well. Gusty winds of 30-40 mph will occur behind the front through early Friday evening.” “Finally, heavy rainfall will occur north of I-20 Wednesday through Friday morning, especially near the AL/TN state line with widespread 1-3 inch totals and localized higher amounts,” Stefcovich warned. “This could produce some flash flooding.” “Moist air returns and scattered showers and storms will form during the afternoon and evening hours. Where thunderstorms form, they will be strong with potential for hail and strong, gusty winds,” wrote meteorologist James Spann. “SPC (the U.S. Storm Prediction Center) has the northern third of the state in a “marginal risk” (level 1/5) of severe thunderstorms, and they have introduced a “slight risk” (level 2/5) for the northwest corner of the state.” FRIDAY: We expect a fast-moving line of severe storms to move through the state Friday morning in the general window from 4 until 12 noon,” Spann explained. “SPC has most of the state (except the southwest corner) in a severe weather risk in their “Day 4” outlook.” Alabama historically has a high risk of severe weather: strong thunderstorms, tornados, and flash flooding. Please stay weather aware this afternoon, tonight, and Friday morning. Be prepared to take shelter and have a plan if confronted with severe weather. Remember that with scattered storms, the weather may be fine (or not) where you are, and the situation is entirely different in a different part of the state or even just ten miles up the road, so be cognizant of weather updates and forecasts as you travel this week. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Steve Flowers: It is time for Alabamians to reap lottery dollars
The gala and festivities of the gubernatorial swearing-in are all wrapped up. Governor Kay Ivey has been sworn in for another four-year term. The legislators, all 140, are all sworn in soon after the general election victories in November. Therefore, they all are ready to get down to business. The Regular Session begins next week. This inaugural first-year Regular Session has historically been the year when major controversial substantive issues are addressed. Legislators will not face election for four more years, and Governor Ivey is term-limited and will probably never face the voters of Alabama again. Therefore, this first year is when the tough challenges will be tackled. Usually, there are some urgent pressing financial problems facing the governor and legislature. However, as this new quadrennium begins, the state coffers are in pretty good shape. A lot of credit for this financial stability can be credited to wise and prudent budgeting by past legislative budget committee leaders, who, for the most part, are all back in command in both chambers. An issue that should be addressed is the garnering of gaming dollars that Alabamians are spending on lottery tickets and sports betting in surrounding states. We need to keep this money in state for our educational and Medicaid funding rather than giving our money to Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Georgia has benefitted from an education lottery for close to 30 years. Alabamians, to a large degree, have paid for a good many Georgia students’ free college education over the last three decades. It is well-known and documented that the most lottery tickets sold in the states of Florida and Georgia are sold at locations on the Alabama border. Alabama television stations consistently interview Alabamians at these state border locations. These Alabama folks are frustrated, to say the least, that they have had to drive hundreds of miles to give their money to our sister states. They know that we are not that much richer than Florida or Georgia to be able to subsidize their state governments and educate their children. Mississippi has every kind of gambling imaginable. They fund a good portion of their state finances on their casinos. Thousands of Alabamians flock to these casinos every year to help Mississippi surpass us in rankings. Mississippi has moved out of the 50th spot in several categories, thanks primarily to gaming dollars, which Alabamians have contributed to significantly. Folks, when one of these major power ball/jackpot lotteries occurs, where there are billions of dollars to be won, my email lights up with inquiries as to why they cannot participate with a convenience store in Alabama. They ask, “Why is my money going out of state? Why am I in a line and traffic jam on the Florida/Georgia border?” My present response is, “Talk with your state representative or state senator. All they have to do is simply vote to let you vote on the issue.” In order for Alabama to participate, it cannot be accomplished by a simple legislative act. It takes a Constitutional Act that must be voted on and approved by a vote of the people. A Constitutional Amendment needs 21 votes in the 35-member State Senate and 63 votes in the 105-member State House of Representatives. The State Senate returns almost intact. Governor Ivey had a comprehensive gaming measure that passed in the Senate last year. Therefore, the votes are probably there for passage in the upper body. The governor was only a few votes short in the House. There are several new faces in that chamber. The governor will need to get behind this issue with both feet. A Special Session may be needed to highlight the gravitas and importance of garnering gaming dollars for Alabama. We are only one of five states that get no revenue from gaming. As a former legislator, I would have a hard time coming home and telling my constituents that I voted against giving them the right to vote on an important constitutional amendment that could raise a lot of money for the state. You can bet your bottom dollar that if a lottery/gaming referendum is placed on the ballot, it will pass in a New York minute. Even the most conservative folks in our state would vote for it, if for only one reason – they are sick and tired of Alabamians’ money going to our neighboring states. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.
Joe Biden headed to Selma to commemorate Bloody Sunday
On Tuesday, Congresswoman Terri Sewell announced that President Joe Biden will join her in Selma on March 5 to commemorate the 58th Anniversary of Bloody Sunday, where voting rights marchers were beaten by Alabama State Troopers to prevent them from marching to Montgomery. Bloody Sunday proved to be a turning point in the civil rights movement that led to the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Rep. Sewell invited President Biden to visit Selma during his 2023 State of the Union Address. The visit comes after President Biden granted Rep. Sewell and the Alabama legislative delegation’s request to increase the federal cost share for FEMA’s public assistance program—including funding for debris removal and emergency protective measures—from 75% to 100% following the January 12th storms. “I am thrilled that President Biden has accepted my invitation to visit Selma for the 58th anniversary of Bloody Sunday,” said Rep. Sewell. “As Selma continues to recover from the January 12th storms, President Biden’s presence will send a clear message that our community is not alone and shows that the federal government will continue to be a partner in rebuilding Selma and Dallas County. I look forward to welcoming the President to my hometown as we reflect on the sacrifices of the Foot Soldiers in the name of equality and justice for all.” Sewell is a native of Selma and the first Black woman to represent Alabama in the United States Congress. “On Sunday, March 7, 1965, time stopped and blood spilled as brave and righteous Americans sought to cross a bridge named after a Klansman in Selma, Alabama, to reach the other side of justice,” Biden said in a statement last year. “Led by the late John Lewis, they marched to secure their sacred right to vote. Their heroism was met by batons and tear gas. They were beaten, but not defeated. Their absolute courage forced America to look in the mirror and Congress to act. Soon after, President [Lyndon] Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act of 1965.” “In Selma, the blood of John Lewis and so many other courageous Americans sanctified a noble struggle,” said Biden. “We are determined to honor that legacy by passing legislation to protect the right to vote and uphold the integrity of our elections, including the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.” Biden previously attended the Bloody Sunday Commemoration just ahead of the 2020 Democratic Presidential primary. Sewell’s endorsement, combined with Biden’s personal campaigning at the annual commemoration event, helped Biden win the Alabama Democratic Presidential Primary and effectively propelled the former Vice President to the Democratic nomination for the Presidency. While the voting rights marchers were ultimately victorious in their struggle for equality, Selma itself has been in severe decline since the 1960s. According to the Census Bureau just 17,625 persons lived in Selma in 2022 -down from 23,720 in 1990 – a 25.7% decrease. In 2022, just 50.1% of Selma residents 16 years and older are in the workforce, and per capita income is just $19,262. The closing of Craig Air Force Base in 1977 was a shock to Selma’s economy that it never was able to overcome. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Gary Palmer says student loan forgiveness plan is “placing the nation on a path toward fiscal insolvency”
On Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the case of the Joe Biden student loan bailout. Congressman Gary Palmer, the Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee (RPC), denounced Biden’s plan as “fiscally irresponsible.” The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Department of Education v. Brown and Biden v. Nebraska. “This fiscally irresponsible policy by the Biden administration is rightfully receiving scrutiny before the Supreme Court,” Palmer stated. “A decision, devoid of Congressional approval, to use $400 billion in deficit spending to bail out student loans shows disregard for the 210 million Americans without student debt and for the rule of law in this country.” “While this decision is currently halted, it is another example of this administration’s misguided policies placing the nation on a path toward fiscal insolvency,” said Palmer. “With our current national debt over $31 trillion and our deficit at $1.4 trillion, the time to restrain federal spending is long past due. This policy, along with other questionable Biden administration actions, is also another direct assault against Constitutional separation of powers.” Members of Congress maintain that under the Constitution, the President does not have the power to appropriate money or forgive student loans. “I call on President Biden to stop usurping the legislative authority of Congress and instead work with Congress for the benefit of all Americans to reduce our debt and reduce the burden that debt imposes on American families,” said Palmer. “Student loan forgiveness is regressive, inequitable, and it will not stimulate the economy,” the House Republican Policy Committee wrote. “Instead, it will create an incentive for students to accumulate more debt and award as much as $192 billion to the top 20 percent of income earners. Forgiveness is fundamentally unfair because it will ultimately be paid by taxpayers—many who have faithfully paid off their student loans, worked hard to pay for college, or chose not to go to college at all.” White House Deputy Press Secretary Olivia Dalton defended the program on Tuesday in an address to reporters. “Well, look, the bottom line is: We’re confident in our legal authority, which is why we’ve taken the case all the way to the Supreme Court on behalf of 40 million Americans who need a little bit more breathing room, who need an opportunity to get back on their feet coming out of this pandemic and preparing to restart their loan payments,” Dalton said. “So, you know, we are focused on — on — on that. We’re focused on, and we’re confident in our legal auth- — authority to carry out this program, which is why we rolled it out in the first place. And I think you heard the administration’s lawyers making a very strong case in the court today.” “Well, look, I think what’s important to remember is that the emergency ending doesn’t change the legal justification for the program,” Dalton said. “There was a national emergency. Millions of borrowers were nega- — negatively impacted by the pandemic and faced the risk of default on their student loans due to that emergency. And, you know, our position is: Congress gave the Secretary of Education the authority to take steps to prevent that harm, and he’s doing that.” It could be months before the Supreme Court releases their final opinion on these two cases. Palmer is in his fifth term representing Alabama’s Sixth Congressional District. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
The Alabama Republican Party passes resolutions and elects officers
The Alabama Republican Party State Executive Committee held its Winter Meeting in Birmingham on Saturday. The ALGOP elected officers and passed resolutions urging legislators to adopt these policy positions. John Wahl was elected to a second term as Chairman. Wahl is a butterfly farmer in Limestone County. “It is an honor for me to represent you, not just you, the Republican executive committee, but you, the Republican primary voters,” Wahl said. “I am incredibly humbled by the support of my fellow committee members and the trust they have put in me. I look forward to working with them, as well as our County Parties and Auxiliary organizations, to promote and defend our Conservative values.” Joan Reynolds of Shelby County was elected Vice Chair. Reynolds is the founder and head of the Mighty Alabama Strike Force, a group that campaigns door-to-door for Republican candidates in swing states. “I would like to thank the members of the ALGOP Executive Committee for the confidence they have shown in me by electing me as Vice Chairman,” Vice Chair Reynolds stated. “I have worked with our chairman for two years as Finance Chair and feel that together we can accomplish great things for the state.” Carol Jahns of Autauga County was elected Secretary. “I am honored and respectively thank the State Executive Committee members providing me the opportunity to continue to serve as your ALGOP Secretary,” Jahns said. “I am confident that supporting each other and staying true to our platform principles are the keys to the Alabama Republican Party’s future victories.” Sallie Bryant of Jefferson County was re-elected as Treasurer. Bill Harris of Autauga County was elected Regional Vice Chairman, Congressional Districts 1 and 2. Renee Gentle Powers of Chilton County was elected Regional Vice Chairman of Congressional Districts 3, 6, and 7. Josh Dodd of Lauderdale County was elected as Regional Vice Chairman, Congressional Districts 4 and 5. State Rep. Matt Simpson of Baldwin County was elected as the Congressional District 1 Chairman. William Rayburn of Crenshaw County was elected as Congressional District 2 Chairman. State Sen. Lance Bell of St. Clair County was elected Congressional District 3 Chairman. Bonnie Sachs of Winston County was elected as Congressional District 4 Chairman. Former Congressman Mo Brooks of Madison County was elected Congressional District 5 Chairman. Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Chris Brown was elected as the Congressional District 6 Chairman. Pierce Boyd of Sumter County was elected as Congressional District 7 Chairman. All those elected on Saturday will serve a two-year term. They will also sit on the 21-member ALGOP Steering Committee that directs Republican business throughout the year. The Alabama Republican State Executive Committee also passed three resolutions: • A measure calling on the Alabama Legislature and Governor Kay Ivey to correct the state’s so-called “Good Time” law by passing legislation sponsored by State Sen. April Weaver and State Rep. Russell Bedsole. • A measure to abolish Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) bureaucracies and policies in public institutions. • A measure calling for an improved working relationship between the Alabama Legislature and the Alabama Republican Party. The Alabama Republican Party maintained its supermajorities in both Houses of the Alabama Legislature in 2022 and won every statewide elected office: including Governor, U.S. Senator, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries, Secretary of State, State Treasurer, Auditor, Public Service Commission, Alabama Supreme Court Justice, and picked up 50 new county and local seats across the state; while contributing to Republicans winning back control of the U.S. House of Representatives. “The Alabama Republican Party has had an amazing two years, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish together during my second term,” Wahl said. The 400+ member ALGOP State Executive Committee is the governing body of the Alabama Republican Party. Its members are elected every four years and meet twice a year at the Winter Meeting and the Summer Meeting. The Summer Meeting will be in August at Montgomery’s Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center. The Winter Meeting will return to Birmingham in 2024. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
