‘Insane’: Dem governor slammed after vetoing bill restricting Chinese land purchases –

Content Summary

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs faced criticism after vetoing Senate Bill 1109, designed to prevent Chinese investments in land adjacent to sensitive military sites. Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp condemned the veto as politically motivated, arguing that it jeopardizes national security by allowing the Chinese government further access to crucial areas like Luke Air Force Base and Palo Verde nuclear power plant. Proponents of the bill assert that such foreign ownership poses a significant risk to American defense assets, especially in light of strategic geopolitical tensions.

In her defense, Governor Hobbs characterized S.B. 1109 as ineffective against espionage and noted the absence of clear criteria for implementation, which she suggested could lead to capricious enforcement. The bill aimed to prohibit entities linked to the People’s Republic of China from acquiring more than a 30% stake in Arizona properties, but Hobbs expressed concerns about its practical execution and potential for bias against certain buyers. The veto sparked outrage among conservative groups, who felt that it undermined efforts to secure U.S. interests against foreign adversaries.

National security advocates, like Michael Lucci, criticized the veto for signaling an open-door policy towards the Chinese Communist Party buying American land. They emphasized the proximity of foreign entities to military assets as a significant concern, especially in light of recent drone attacks in Ukraine that demonstrated the risks associated with such vulnerabilities. This ongoing issue has triggered alarm among lawmakers and citizens alike, leading to calls for more stringent regulations governing foreign land purchases.

The broader national context reveals growing apprehension over Chinese land holdings in the U.S., with Congress and numerous states currently working on legislation to tighten restrictions. According to reports, as of mid-March, 27 states are evaluating 84 bills related to foreign property ownership, reflecting a significant trend in local and federal responses aimed at safeguarding national security. Notably, 22 states have already passed bills that aim to restrict foreign investments in property, indicating a widespread acknowledgment of the issue.

Despite the potential for legislative changes, discussions surrounding these bills remain contentious, highlighting the delicate balance between ensuring national security and fostering a welcoming investment climate. As the political landscape evolves with rising pressures from both sides, the fate of bills like S.B. 1109 will likely continue to be hotly debated, particularly as Governor Hobbs prepares for her re-election campaign amid growing scrutiny of her decision-making.



Source: www.foxnews.com