Shenango Valley News

HARRISBURG – Following several high-profile events across the country, including the recent hacking of the Aliquippa Municipal Authority, Pennsylvania House Republicans are planning to introduce a package of bills that would protect critical state assets from unfriendly foreign entities, including China.

While the federal government will continue to take the lead on national defense strategy, this legislative package identifies key areas where the Commonwealth can provide coverage for Commonwealth assets and areas not covered by federal jurisdiction.

Following what the U.S. military classified as a “security threat” when a Chinese-linked security firm purchased 370 acres of farmland near a military installation in North Dakota, Rep. Barb Gleim (R-Cumberland) plans to introduce legislation that would further protect agricultural land in Pennsylvania by restricting the ability of “countries of concern” as designated by the federal government (i.e., China, Russia, Belarus, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, Syria) and other countries that do not permit Americans to purchase farmland in their country to purchase agricultural land in Pennsylvania.

The proposal would further expand a current law restriction to government officials of countries of concern, political parties and members of political parties of countries of concern, business entities organized under the laws of countries of concern, individuals domiciled in a country of concern and not lawful citizens or permanent residents of the United States, and business entities with a controlling interest owned by foreign principals.

“If the federal government has designated a foreign country as one of concern, we should not be jeopardizing our national security by allowing leaders, political parties or associated businesses from those countries to purchase large swaths of agricultural land,” Gleim said. “The amount of Pennsylvania agricultural land purchased and owned by foreign entities significantly increased last year and that is especially concerning given recent events in North Dakota.”

“Allowing countries of foreign concern and related political parties and business entities to purchase agricultural land in Pennsylvania creates a disadvantage for American farmers who may not have reciprocal rights in these foreign countries,” Gleim added. “This legislation is in line with federal definitions and increases our security while putting Pennsylvania farmers on a level playing field.”

In response to the hacking incident at Aliquippa Municipal Authority, forthcoming legislation by Rep. Stephenie Scialabba (R-Butler) would establish the Pennsylvania Cyber Security Task Force. This task force would include staff from various state agencies such as the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and Pennsylvania State Police. It aims to assist institutions with cybersecurity needs and mandate security safeguards implementation.

"While there are valid concerns over physical security," Scialabba said. "We also must be mindful of cyber threats which can be even more expansive than our geographical boundaries."

"A breach can affect everyday life aspects like drinking water or sensitive information storage at state agencies," she continued. "It is imperative we empower a state-level team to identify potential threats."

Rep. Tim Bonner (R-Mercer/Butler) also plans to introduce legislation directing the Joint State Government Commission to review policies regarding foreign purchases affecting critical infrastructure.

“I am pleased to join with Rep. Gleim and Rep. Scialabba in sponsoring legislation,” Bonner said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on this critically important legislation.”