Richmond, Va. (Newsradiowrva.com) --- Just a day after Virginia-based pilots shot down a Chinese spy balloon over the coast of South Carolina, the State Senate voted to ban Chinese (and a few other countries) purchases of Virginia farmland. The bill was a request of Governor Glenn Youngkin's (R), made in his State of the Commonwealth speech.
Supporters of the ban said it had national security implications. However, Senator Scott Surrovell (D-Fairfax) called it a solution in search of a problem. One Democratic Senator was reprimanded by Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (R) after he mentioned alleged ties Youngkin's former company had to China.
China has been a focus on this 2023 session. Youngkin has come under fire multiple times at the State Capitol for a decision to withdraw Virginia from a Chinese-tied business deal that could have meant 2,500 jobs for Southside Virginia. Some Democrats have alleged Youngkin is looking to boost his credentials ahead of a potential Presidential run.
