Tackling Foreign Influence in American Politics
The government is starting to address the threats posed by foreign entities, particularly those linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Over the years, these groups have taken aim at local institutions through various tactics like espionage and spreading disinformation.
Fortunately, state officials are now taking a proactive stance. Governors and lawmakers are looking into both innovative and traditional policies to safeguard citizens and address the influence of foreign adversaries.
For instance, foreign agents frequently enlist local lobbyists or consultants to push narratives that benefit overseas interests, often to the detriment of American citizens. This practice is problematic, and there’s a growing call for transparency. States like Arkansas and Louisiana have introduced Comprehensive Foreign Agent Registration Acts, requiring lobbyists to disclose funds and activities sourced from foreign entities.
Moreover, foreign funding is not limited to lobbying; it also seeps into academia. Numerous instances have shown how foreign governments manipulate educational institutions to harvest intellectual property, skew research, or impart anti-American ideologies. While the federal government mandates universities to report foreign donations exceeding $250,000, states like Georgia have lowered this threshold to $1,000 to better monitor foreign influence in their university systems.
Additionally, foreign ownership of land, particularly near military installations, is becoming a critical issue. States like Florida and South Dakota have instituted bans on foreign land ownership, with Texas recently considering similar regulations. Nearly half of the land in the U.S. controlled by China is found in Texas, raising serious concerns about national security.
Another move by lawmakers involves public pension funds. Many of these large funds have inadvertently invested taxpayer dollars in businesses managed by foreign adversaries. For example, Arkansas, with the guidance of Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, passed legislation prohibiting investments in Chinese companies. Similarly, Missouri has taken steps to create investment options that do not involve China, setting an example for pension reform.
States are also focusing on securing their supply chains. Many products, including drones, are manufactured overseas. Given that 90% of commercial drones come from China, with some connected to servers operated by the CCP, states are taking action. Nebraska, for example, is ensuring that state agencies only purchase drones approved by the U.S. Department of Defense. Meanwhile, Louisiana has empowered local law enforcement to take down drones posing threats, further enhancing public safety.
Though countries like China and Iran may seem distant, their influence is already felt at a local level. It’s important for Americans to recognize how elected officials are responding to these foreign pressures in state legislatures. A recent survey revealed that 75% of voters are concerned about foreign threats to U.S. security, with 67% considering the CCP a significant risk.
A collaborative initiative called State Shield has been launched to develop and roll out policies aimed at countering these foreign influences. The organization is dedicated to helping state leaders implement effective solutions and replicating successful policies.
