Springfield Standard

Senator Schmitt Applauds Expanded Scrutiny of Foreign Ownership of Land Surrounding Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri

Jul 8, 2024

WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Eric Schmitt released a statement following action by the Committee on Foreign Investments in the US (CFIUS) to expand scrutiny and include real estate transactions adjacent to Whiteman Air Force Base on a list of protected land from foreign investment and ownership.

"There is no reason why we should be allowing our foreign adversaries to purchase real estate a stone’s throw away from critical military installations such as Whiteman Air Force Base. I applaud the adjustment to the rule by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States that adds Whiteman Air Force Base to the list of protected military installations. Keeping our military bases secure from the prying eyes of adversaries like China is a no-brainer and I’m proud to have led the charge with Rep. Alford on including Whiteman on this agency’s protected list," said Senator Eric Schmitt.

BACKGROUND:

Last year, Senator Schmitt and Representative Alford wrote a letter to the Department of Treasury Assistant Secretary for Investment Security requesting Whiteman AFB be added to the list of protected military installations.

The revised rule would add Whiteman AFB to a list of military installations that are protected from suspicious foreign investment. The rule would apply to any commercial or personal real estate transaction to a foreign person or entity within a 100-mile radius of Whiteman AFB.

Whiteman AFB is home to the B-2 bomber and will be the future home of the B-21 bomber. The next generation B-21 will be the backbone of our future bomber force and a crucial asset to project American air power and deterrence.

Last year’s proposed rule from CFIUS included several installations that will either house or are currently building the B-21, including Air Force Plant 42, Ellsworth Air Force Base, and Dyess Air Force Base. However, Whiteman AFB was not included in this list despite being the second preferred location to receive the B-21. Whiteman AFB is critical to our national defense.

Read the letter from last year here.

Read the release from last year here.