Dem governor ripped as ‘total disgrace’ after vetoing bill limiting Chinese land ownership near military bases

June 5, 2025 Diana Zapata News, Politics 0
Screenshot: Governor Katie Hobbs / Youtube
| Published June 5, 2025

Gov Katie Hobbs, D-Ariz., called the vetoed bill ‘ineffective’ and said it could lead to ‘arbitrary enforcement’ of land-purchase restrictions

In a move that has ignited a contentious debate over national security and foreign investment, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoed Senate Bill 1109 on June 2, 2025. The bill aimed to prohibit the Chinese government and its subsidiaries from owning a substantial interest—defined as 30% or more—in any property within the state. Proponents argued that the legislation was essential to safeguard military installations and critical infrastructure from potential espionage threats.

FOX News reports:

Arizona Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs, who is up for reelection next year, garnered backlash Tuesday after vetoing a bill aimed at preventing China from buying up land next to strategic assets, such as military bases.

Arizona state Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp said the “politically motivated veto” was “utterly insane,” blaming Hobbs for being “an obstructionist against safeguarding our citizens from threats.”

However, Hobbs said the bill, S.B. 1109, was “ineffective at counter-espionage” and did not “directly protect” American military assets in the state…

“Governor Hobbs’s veto of SB 1109 hangs an ‘Open for the CCP’ sign on Arizona’s front door, allowing Communist China to buy up American land near critical assets like Luke Air Force Base, Palo Verde nuclear power plant, and Taiwan Semiconductor’s growing fabrication footprint,” said Michael Lucci, the CEO and founder of State Armor Action, a conservative group with a mission to develop and enact state-level solutions to global security threats.

Is anyone going to look into this?

 

 

The Rationale Behind the Veto

Governor Hobbs defended her decision by stating that the bill was “ineffective at counterespionage and does not directly protect our military assets.” She further criticized the legislation for lacking clear implementation criteria, which she argued could lead to arbitrary enforcement. Hobbs emphasized that national security concerns related to foreign land ownership are under the purview of federal agencies, such as the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), which are better equipped to assess and manage such risks.

Political Reactions and Criticism

The veto has drawn sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers and conservative groups. State Senator Janae Shamp, the bill’s sponsor, expressed concern over reports of the Chinese government attempting to lease properties near Luke Air Force Base, suggesting potential espionage activities. Michael Lucci, CEO of the conservative group State Armor Action, condemned the veto, stating that it effectively signals Arizona is “open for the CCP,” referring to the Chinese Communist Party.

Critics argue that the veto undermines efforts to protect sensitive military sites and critical infrastructure from foreign adversaries. They contend that state-level legislation is necessary to address specific threats that may not be adequately covered by federal regulations.

The implications of Governor Hobbs’ veto, viewed from a national security and sovereignty-first perspective, raise several red flags:

1. Weakening Domestic Control Over Strategic Assets

Blocking a ban on foreign land ownership—especially by nations with adversarial interests—may signal to Americans that state leadership is unwilling to prioritize national security when it conflicts with international economic interests.

2. Perceived Deference to Federal Bureaucracy

By deferring to federal agencies like CFIUS, the veto reinforces a belief that states are becoming too reliant on distant federal oversight, even when local communities feel directly affected by foreign encroachment near military bases or infrastructure.

3. Erosion of Legislative Authority

When an elected governor strikes down a bill passed by the legislature that’s focused on protecting homeland assets, it could be seen as undermining the will of elected representatives and the voters they serve.

4. Mixed Signals to Foreign Interests

The move may be interpreted by foreign investors—particularly those from authoritarian regimes—as a green light to expand influence within U.S. borders, particularly in states perceived as less guarded.

5. Missed Opportunity for Precautionary Action

Even if federal systems are in place, proactive state-level measures send a message of preparedness. Vetoing such efforts can be seen as choosing short-term economic openness over long-term national vigilance.

Overall Takeaway:

Governor Katie Hobbs’ veto is this: her decision reflects a prioritization of federal oversight and economic openness over state-led national security measures—a stance that’s drawing sharp political and public scrutiny. While she argues the bill was flawed and unenforceable, critics view the move as dangerously permissive toward potential foreign threats, especially from China.

This clash exposes a deeper, ongoing debate in the U.S. about how to balance foreign investment, state sovereignty, and national security in an increasingly tense geopolitical landscape.

SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs VETOES Bill That Would Prevent China From Buying Land Near U.S. Military Bases
ARIZONA DAILY STAR – Arizona governor vetoes bill barring China from buying property in the state
STRAIGHT ARROW NEWS – Arizona Gov. Hobbs vetoes bill banning China from owning land in state
ARIZONA MIRROR – Hobbs vetoes bill banning China from owning land in Arizona

 

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