West
New federal rule moves to protect military bases from nearby land sales to foreign actors
In the wake of several controversies involving foreign actors attempting land purchases near sensitive U.S. bases, a new federal rule will expand a Treasury committee’s ability to control the transactions.
Lawmakers in Florida, North Dakota and elsewhere have long sounded the alarm over Chinese companies in particular, and now the Biden administration is taking steps to potentially make it more difficult for such purchases to go through.
The rule utilizes a 2018 law that gives the Treasury’s Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) broader authority to study the implications of foreign investment in real estate transactions and asset transfers.
Nearly 60 military installations or related properties will be provided further protections under the new rule.
IN THE ONLY STATE BORDERING RUSSIA, GOVERNOR SAYS DEFENSES ARE STRONG
Aerial view of Barter Island, Kaktovik, AK, where one base is located (Getty)
Some of the major installations cited include Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall (formerly Fort Myer) in Arlington, Va., Letterkenny Army Depot in Chambersburg, Pa., Cold Bay Regional Radar Site and Naval Support Facility Ketchikan in Alaska, Pueblo Chemical Depot in Colorado, Camp Blaz in Dededo, Guam and the Naval Logistics Support Annex in Okahumpka, Fla.
The latter was likely a concern of Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., prior to the passage of three landmark state laws aimed at curbing Chinese influence in the state.
One of those laws prohibits Chinese citizens “domiciled” in that country from purchasing Florida land. As of April, however, that law has been embroiled in a court challenge.
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Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, testifies during the House Financial Services Committee hearing. (Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images)
DeSantis’ office did not respond to a request for comment, but said at the time the laws “make it very clear we don’t want CCP influence in the Sunshine State.”
In another case out of North Dakota, a land purchase for a Chinese company’s corn mill near Grand Forks Air Force Base was halted amid outcry from the state’s two Republican senators.
Sens. John Hoeven and Kevin Cramer had warned the transaction could be a “significant threat to national security.”
The Treasury previously stipulated in a May 2023 rule that foreign purchasers need federal approval to buy land near eight military sites, in the wake of the Grand Forks controversy.
China leader Xi Jinping (Xinhua/Shen Hong via Getty Images)
Fox News Digital also reached out to Alaska officials, as nearly a dozen of the newly-qualified installations are in the Last Frontier.
While the Treasury and CFIUS did not respond to requests for comment, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen heralded the new rule in comments to the Associated Press.
The Biden administration is “committed to using our strong investment screening tool to defend America’s national security, including actions that protect military installations from external threats,” Yellen said.
The Treasury’s move comes one week after the White House released an order that halted a Chinese cryptocurrency firm’s planned purchase near Francis E. Warren Air Force Base in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Two people were arrested Tuesday on prostitution charges after search warrants were served on both a spa and home in Newport, authorities said.
According to Newport police, the investigation into Amazing Lotus Spa began in March after they learned it was advertising on a prostitution/adult escort website, as well as “alluding to commercial sex acts being offered at the spa.”
During the investigation, officers surveilled the business, and “observed activity inconsistent with the normal business patterns of legitimate massage establishments,” police said.
This led to the obtaining and execution of a search warrant on both the spa and a home located in the 800 block of Northeast Avery Street.
At the spa, investigators found evidence indicating they were operating without a license, police said.
At the 8th Street home, they found large quantities of cash, as well as “evidence related to services allegedly being offered at the spa beyond unlicensed massage activity,” officials said.
Both 63-year-old Jia Hui and 67-year-old Bing Li were arrested and lodged at the Lincoln County Jail on charges of prostitution and practicing of massage without a massage therapist license.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Newport police.
Maricopa County officials used Snapchat to locate a missing 17-year-old girl allegedly held and assaulted by a man recently released on sexual assault charges. FOX 10’s Andrew Christiansen learns more about how he held the teen against her will at his Litchfield Park home.
CASPER, Wyo. — On Tuesday, Rep. Elissa Campbell announced her campaign for reelection to Wyoming House District 56.
A release from Campbell says that she’s determined to continue “a commitment to strong conservative leadership, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that the people of Wyoming have a clear unwavering voice in their state government.”
Campbell is a Wyoming native and University of Wyoming alumna. She currently serves as the executive director for the Wyoming Foundation for Cancer Care. She is also a Casper Rotarian and volunteers with Casper’s Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which builds beds for kids in need.
Campbell has served in House District 56 since August 2024, taking over for former Representative Jerry Obermueller.
“Since taking office, Representative Campbell has diligently represented the values and priorities of the people of District 56 and communities across Wyoming,” the release states. “Her legislative efforts have focused on protecting Wyoming’s economy, defending individual freedoms, strengthening families, and ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.”
Campbell has supported and advanced legislation that promotes energy independence. She has also advocated for policies that support local government, law enforcement and small businesses.
“Serving as the Representative for House District 56 has been a tremendous honor,” Campbell said. “Wyoming deserves leaders who listen, work hard, and never forget who they represent. I am running for re-election to continue fighting for our communities, our values, and our Wyoming way of life.”
Campbell emphasized that her campaign will continue to prioritize the principles that have guided her term: limited government, personal responsibility, economic opportunity and preserving Wyoming’s traditions for future generations.
“As long as I have the privilege of serving, I will continue to be a strong and independent voice for the people of Wyoming,” Campbell said. “District 56 deserves leadership that reflects our values and puts Wyoming first.”
The release notes that Rep. Campbell will host a series of community events in the coming months to meet with voters and discuss priorities for the next legislative session.
In her first term, Campbell sponsored House Bill 22, co-sponsored House Bill 208 and helped advance Senate File 145.
On Aug. 20, 2024, Campbell defeated a pair of challengers to win the primary race for House District 56. She received 806 votes, roughly 55% of the ballots cast. Pete Fox received 37% of the votes and Pamela Mertens received 8% of the votes.
For more information on Campbell, visit www.campbell4wyoming.com.
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