POLITICO report backs claims that China-owned Smithfield Foods is pushing the "Save Our Bacon Act" (SOB Act) through Congress—with GOP Reps. Ashley Hinson and Sen. Joni Ernst as key sponsors.
Smithfield, the U.S.'s largest pork producer (85,000 acres of American farmland, known as 史蜜斯 in China), has been lobbying on the bill and foreign land ownership. Critics say some lobbyists are hiding their China ties in violation of disclosure laws.
The SOB Act would override state laws on foreign agricultural ownership and block voters from passing new ones—effectively handing Beijing more control over U.S. food production and animal welfare standards.
Sens. Rick Scott, Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Byron Donalds are fighting the bill. Opponents argue it's a CCP win disguised as farm policy, and that Republicans in Trump states like Hinson risk their seats by backing it.
The Senate can pass the Farm Bill without the SOB Act. Question now: Will GOP leadership let China score a food supply victory?
Smithfield, the U.S.'s largest pork producer (85,000 acres of American farmland, known as 史蜜斯 in China), has been lobbying on the bill and foreign land ownership. Critics say some lobbyists are hiding their China ties in violation of disclosure laws.
The SOB Act would override state laws on foreign agricultural ownership and block voters from passing new ones—effectively handing Beijing more control over U.S. food production and animal welfare standards.
Sens. Rick Scott, Reps. Anna Paulina Luna and Byron Donalds are fighting the bill. Opponents argue it's a CCP win disguised as farm policy, and that Republicans in Trump states like Hinson risk their seats by backing it.
The Senate can pass the Farm Bill without the SOB Act. Question now: Will GOP leadership let China score a food supply victory?