OKC Standard

U.S. Senators Markwayne Mullin and Ted Cruz, alongside five Republican colleagues, have introduced the Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act. The legislation aims to safeguard Department of Defense installations from foreign acquisitions by individuals or entities linked to Russia, China, Iran, or North Korea.

Senator Mullin expressed concern over national security threats: “It’s bad enough that American citizens have to worry about convicted criminal illegal aliens wandering our streets after four years of open borders—we shouldn’t have to worry about adversaries infiltrating our military installations, too.”

Senator Cruz highlighted potential risks: “Foreign adversaries are exploiting loopholes to acquire land near our military bases and training routes, jeopardizing the safety of our troops and the integrity of our operations.” He called for prompt Senate action on the bill.

The bill addresses espionage concerns. Senator Scott emphasized government responsibility in preventing enemy access near sensitive areas: “These are known enemies who want to bring harm upon America and our way of life – they have no business owning land anywhere near our military bases or sensitive air spaces.”

Concerns were also raised regarding Chinese investments near U.S. military facilities. Senator Budd stated: “The Chinese Communist Party’s purchase of land near military facilities around our country is a direct threat to our national security.”

Senator Britt underscored the importance of expanding CFIUS jurisdiction: “The Protecting Military Installations and Ranges Act expands the jurisdiction...to protect our national security assets here at home from our adversaries.”

Senator Tuberville warned against allowing adversarial land ownership: “Our adversaries are doing everything they can to claim land dangerously close to some of our nation’s most important military installations.”

Senator Cotton reinforced this stance: “America’s adversaries have no business purchasing land in our country, especially near military bases.”

The proposed legislation seeks to expand CFIUS oversight on real estate investments within specified proximities to U.S. military sites. It mandates DOD and DOT defer project decisions involving such transactions until CFIUS completes its review.