Emily Weber

A Democrat on the committee says the move is election year posturing.

The bill bars acquisition of farmland from five countries — China, Iran, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela — deemed by the state as enemies of the United States. It also limits how much land other countries would be able to own.

While Republicans will still hold a supermajority in the chamber, House Democrats were able to gain three seats, giving them their largest numbers in years.

Missouri’s current unemployment benefit ranges from 13 to 20 weeks, depending on the state’s unemployment rate. The new bill shortens it to as few as eight.