Nearly two-thirds of land in Indiana – and more than half of all land in the United States – is farmland. Recent efforts by China and other adversaries to buy agricultural land across the country could present a national security threat. Indiana is a leader in restricting these purchases, but Congress must act to ensure permanent safeguards are in place in all fifty states.

Senator Mike Braun (R-Ind.) and I introduced the Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 to add another layer of scrutiny to foreign acquisitions of U.S. farmland and agricultural industries, specifically monitoring purchases made by adversaries like China, North Korea, Russia, and Iran. 

This bill is supported by the Indiana Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau, Indiana Soybean Alliance, and the Indiana Corn Growers Association.

Read more about this effort here.

I was honored to attend a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony honoring the 13 service members, including Hoosier Corporal Humberto "Bert" Sanchez, who were tragically killed during the Afghanistan withdrawal in 2021. We will never forget the ultimate sacrifices these American heroes made. 

We also continue to express our gratitude to their families for their bravery and strength in the face of tremendous loss.

I recently received an update from the East Central Indiana Regional Planning District and the Muncie Innovation Connector on economic development projects in Blackford, Delaware, Grant, and Jay Counties.

I met with the Indiana Corn Growers Association to discuss issues important to the Hoosier ag community, including the need for new trade markets and the Farm Bill.

Our team is pleased to offer college students the opportunity to intern in my Indiana or Washington, D.C. offices. Students will have the opportunity to assist with daily activities and special projects related to legislation, communications, and constituent services. Internships are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Learn more about our internship program here.

Navigating federal agencies can be difficult. My staff and I are here to assist Hoosiers who are having trouble receiving benefits, have questions regarding a program or procedure, or have not heard back from these agencies in a timely manner.

Learn more about how we can help here.

Hoosier Ag Today: Braun, Young Introduce Bill to Report US Farmland Purchases Attempted by Foreign Adversaries

Tristate Homepage: IN senators introduce bill to protect farmland from foreign adversaries

Forbes: EDA Tech Hubs: Catalyzing Job Creation And Workforce Opportunities

News and Tribune: Young, Braun co-sponsor Protecting American Agriculture from Foreign Adversaries Act

95.3 MNC: Braun, Young Introduce Bill to Report US Farmland Purchases Attempted by Foreign Adversaries

Thank you for the continued privilege to serve you in the U.S. Senate. My mission is to fight on behalf of Hoosiers and the interests that are unique to our state. I look forward to working with you, and sharing our progress, in the days ahead. 

In Service,