Duval Times

Senator Rick Scott has collaborated with Senators Mike Crapo, Jim Risch, and Pete Ricketts to introduce the Securing American Agriculture Act. This legislation aims to protect domestic agriculture supply chains and lessen America's dependence on foreign adversaries. Additional support for the bill comes from Senators Tammy Baldwin, Mike Braun, John Barrasso, John Cornyn, Shelley Moore Capito, Deb Fischer, Cynthia Lummis, and Eric Schmitt.

Senator Rick Scott emphasized the importance of food security as a component of national security. He stated: “Food security is national security and that is why I strongly support our American farmers, ranchers and growers and an American-grown food supply chain. In order to protect our nation’s food supply, we must ensure the CCP is out of the process."

Senator Mike Crapo highlighted the necessity of oversight in America’s relationship with China: “Close and continued oversight evaluating America’s relationship with the CCP is vital to our national security and protecting our nation’s food supply chain."

Senator Jim Risch underscored Congress's role in preventing China's control over America's food supply chain: “Congress can’t allow Communist China to seize control of America’s food supply chain."

Senator Pete Ricketts described China as a significant threat to U.S. national security: “The CCP is the single greatest threat to America’s national security and financial independence."

China has recently gained substantial market share in producing essential agricultural inputs such as vitamins and veterinary pharmaceuticals. The proposed legislation would require annual threat assessments by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in collaboration with other agencies. It also mandates recommendations for mitigating potential threats from China.