Robert Smullen, a member of the New York State Assembly and retired Marine Corps colonel, recently posted a series of statements on social media addressing issues related to national security, local economic development, and foreign investment in American farmland.
On April 13, 2026, Smullen highlighted the importance of Fort Drum to the North Country economy and national security. He wrote, “Fort Drum has long been the backbone of the North Country economy and our nation’s national security, supporting thousands of families and driving innovation in our community. With the addition of a proposed Small Modular Reactor (SMR) test site, we have a real opportunity to”.
The following day, April 14, 2026, Smullen commented on government assistance funds being sent abroad. He stated, “For decades, tens of billions of dollars have been sent out of the country by recipients of government assistance. This is money that comes from hardworking Americans, yet leaves our communities and strengthens economies abroad instead of supporting the people who pay for it.”
On April 15, 2026, Smullen addressed concerns about foreign ownership of American farmland. He wrote, “Foreign investors, particularly from China, are buying American farmland, sometimes near military bases. This threatens both our national security and the livelihoods of family farmers who have worked these lands for generations. While a number of states ban foreign ownership of”.
According to his official biography, Smullen engages in public service by advocating for veterans and drafting measures to protect vulnerable residents. He retired as a colonel after 24 years in the Marine Corps with three deployments to Afghanistan and was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2018. Smullen holds degrees from The Citadel, Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service, and the Eisenhower School. He is a lifelong resident of upstate New York.
