A bi-partisan Senate bill has been introduced that would give the USDA and Department of Health and Human Services a greater say in the approvals of foreign investment in U.S. agriculture. The Food Security is National Security Act of 2017 was introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley of Iowa and Debbie Stabenow of Michigan. The measure gives the secretaries of both agencies permanent seats on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. Grassley says the measure is needed to better protect agriculture interests.

He says the legislation puts the Secretaries at the forefront of reviewing any major mergers effecting U.S. agriculture. That’s important as concerns are growing regarding the effects of the large agribusiness mergers being considered.

Grassley says it also directs the panel to consider U.S. agriculture and food security, safety, quality and access, in deciding whether to approve foreign investment in U.S. firms.

Grassley says his legislation is about ensuring that the United States remains food independent.