The state capitals and local governments are increasingly recognizing the need to combat hostile foreign influences. For years now, groups tied to the Chinese Communist Party and other adversarial entities have infiltrated local systems through tactics like spying and disinformation.
Fortunately, state officials are proactively addressing these challenges. Governors, legislators, and other authorities are diving into new and established policies to fend off these threats and safeguard citizens against hostile powers.
Take, for instance, foreign agents. It’s not uncommon for foreign governments to hire local lobbyists or consultants to push agendas that seem to benefit them, often at the expense of American interests. This is problematic and merits exposure. Recently, Arkansas and Louisiana passed the Comprehensive Foreign Agent Registration Act. This requires lobbyists and political groups to reveal funding and activities linked to foreign adversaries.
Moreover, foreign funds are also entwined with academia, influencing curricula and research. We’ve seen instances where foreign governments exert their influence in universities to appropriating intellectual property or promote anti-American sentiments. While the federal government mandates disclosure of foreign donations over $250,000, Georgia has lowered this threshold to $1,000 for its university system.
Additionally, foreign governments have been eyeing American assets, especially land near critical infrastructure and military bases. This has become a growing concern, and states like Florida and South Dakota have instituted bans on foreign land ownership. Texas has joined in recently, as nearly half of the land under Chinese management in the U.S. is in that state.
State lawmakers are also taking action to protect financial assets, particularly employee and teacher pension funds. These are significant funds, yet taxpayer dollars often end up supporting businesses tied to adversarial nations. Arkansas has enacted a law to prohibit public investments in Chinese companies, while Missouri is creating an investment fund that avoids these entities, setting a precedent for pension reform.
Moreover, states are turning their attention to supply chain security and manufacturing issues. Drones, alongside products like medicines and semiconductors, are often manufactured overseas, leading to a reliance that can be problematic. The use of drones has surged recently, with applications ranging from agriculture to law enforcement.
In fact, a significant majority of commercial drones come from China, with some maintaining data links to the CCP. Nebraska is addressing this concern by exclusively procuring drones vetted by the U.S. Department of Defense. Likewise, Louisiana has empowered local law enforcement to neutralize potentially threatening drones, enhancing public safety against these emerging risks.
While regimes like China and Iran may seem distant, their influence is already manifesting in our communities. Americans need to pay attention to how their elected officials are tackling foreign interference at the state level. A recent opinion survey revealed that 75% of voters are worried about foreign adversaries compromising U.S. security, with 67% identifying the CCP as a significant threat.
In response, I initiated State Shield to work collaboratively with state leaders to create effective policy strategies against foreign influence. We’re committed to playing an essential role in advocating for these measures, embracing innovative approaches, and replicating successful initiatives.
