During the recent Republican primaries here in Texas, GOP voters sent a strong message. Over 95% say they are in favor of banning land sales against foreign threats like China and Russia.
If you remember, during the last legislative session, a bill was passed in the Senate that would have banned China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea from purchasing land in Texas. But that legislation was ultimately killed in the Texas House.
"China owns about 180,000 acres in the state of Texas" said Russell Boening, president of the Texas Farm Bureau, "130,000 of that is close to the Air Force base in Del Rio."
With that said, as we look ahead to the next session, the issue has become a priority for the Republican Party of Texas.
"I think it has momentum in the House" said Texas state senator, Charles Perry, "So, I do think you'll see a foreign land ownership bill get through the session, next session."
Needless to say, it's become a big issue.
"Our members are talking about that right now, they're very patriotic folks" Boening told KTRH, "I will tell you this, it's an emotional issue and foreign ownership, as a Texan and as an American, I don't think it's a good idea for our adversaries to own land."
Surprisingly, the country that currently owns the most land in Texas is Canada.