ND North News

In 2021, the Chinese Fufeng Group's purchase of 370 acres near Grand Forks Air Force Base (GFAFB) raised concerns due to its proximity to sensitive military operations. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer opposed the acquisition, citing national security risks linked to the company's ties with the Chinese Communist Party. Although Cramer urged a review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), the committee stated it lacked jurisdiction.

The U.S. Air Force later declared that the Fufeng project posed "a significant threat to national security." In response, Senator Cramer has led efforts to expand CFIUS' authority. He collaborated with other Senate Banking Committee members, including Senators Tim Scott, Mike Crapo, and others, to introduce the Protect Our Bases Act. This legislation aims to designate military and intelligence facilities as sensitive sites for national security purposes.

Senator Cramer emphasized that "every time a foreign adversary acquires land near U.S. military installations and sensitive sites, the safety and security of our nation is at risk." He added that the act would enable CFIUS to update records and protect against potential threats.

The Protect Our Bases Act seeks to provide CFIUS with streamlined authority over foreign investments near sensitive sites in the U.S., consolidating statutory authorities and requiring annual updates and reporting to Congress.

Following issues related to Fufeng, CFIUS expanded its jurisdiction over GFAFB and other bases. Senator Cramer also supported amendments in the Fiscal Year 2024 National Defense Authorization Act and backed language in an appropriations bill adding agricultural oversight by CFIUS. Additionally, he introduced legislation allowing governors to request preemptive reviews of proposed transactions by CFIUS.