Congressman Frank Lucas, Third District Congressman and former chairman of both the House Agriculture and Science Committees, is seeing significant progress on key legislative priorities that impact both national security and the future of American agriculture. Speaking with Senior Farm and Ranch Broadcaster Ron Hays, Lucas shared updates on a bill aimed at safeguarding the U.S. food supply and the ongoing efforts to secure a long-term Farm Bill.
Regarding legislative developments in Washington, D.C., Lucas shared significant progress on a national security-focused agricultural bill he has long championed. He explained, “The goal is to make sure that agriculture and food production is treated as a national security issue, like building missiles and satellites.” The bill gained momentum after it was revealed that Chinese entities had purchased farmland near U.S. military bases. Lucas emphasized, “Now I’ve gotten my colleagues’ attention… and I think we’re gonna get this language made permanent.” He detailed that foreign purchases of agricultural land and infrastructure will now fall under review by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which will now include the Secretary of Agriculture.
He pointed out the broader implications, stating, “It’s not just… buying farmland near a military base… It’s also buying processing or transportation facilities, things that impact the food supply.” Lucas also highlighted how this federal effort aligns with Oklahoma state law, which already restricts foreign land ownership. He added, “This will also create a mechanism by which state entities… can then follow through and enforce state law in addition to the federal issues.”
Lucas then discussed the legislative process involving a major tax and agriculture bill—referred to several times as the “big beautiful bill.” He stressed its importance, saying, “If we don’t pass the big beautiful bill, all of the tax relief passed in 2017 will expire.” The bill also includes a key provision to extend the production programs of the 2018 Farm Bill, including crop insurance and conservation funding, for six years. Lucas called this “almost amazing” and emphasized its importance: “We need six years of certainty for producers out there after we’ve gone through the wild last six years.”
When asked about differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill, Lucas acknowledged procedural hurdles in the Senate but remained optimistic: “The core issue for production ag… is hanging solid. We’re good on that.” He also explained a tweak to the food stamp (SNAP) program, noting that states with high error rates may face additional funding requirements: “Before COVID, Oklahoma’s error rate was a little over 5%. Since the COVID money, it’s running around 10%.” He expressed confidence in state officials to bring those numbers back down.
As for the bill’s timeline, Lucas hoped it could pass before July 4 but acknowledged the challenges: “It’s getting tougher and tougher… But do not underestimate the ability of the President… to bring groups… down to the White House and explain to them in a way that’s very understandable what needs to be done.” He said he’d be willing to skip local celebrations if necessary: “Just in case, I’ll be wherever I need to be to get this done.”
The conversation concluded with reflections on the dynamics of the 2025 Congress and the Trump administration’s return. Lucas observed a more focused and organized approach in this term, saying, “Trump 47… they’re moving aggressively and they have a plan.” Despite narrow Republican majorities in both chambers, he expressed confidence in the administration’s resolve: “He’s shown a very intense willingness to make stuff happen. His style is a little different than mine… but he’s bound and determined.”
