WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) reintroduced the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act to reform the H-2A visa program and establish a strong, legal immigration workforce for agricultural producers.
“The workforce crisis has come to a boiling point for farmers across the country,” said Rep. Dan Newhouse. “Reintroducing the Farm Workforce Modernization Act sends a clear message to farmers that we are working hard to find solutions that ease the burdens brought on by the current state of the H-2A program. This legislation is necessary to lay the groundwork for continued negotiations, and I am committed to working closely with my colleagues to enact long-term, durable reforms to our agriculture guest worker programs. This issue has been, and remains, my top priority and unified Republican government is an opportunity to deliver for our farmers and ranchers.”
“The men and women who work America’s farms feed the nation. However, in the past few years, we’ve seen labor shortages contribute to high food prices,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “As economic chaos and confusion continues, it is essential we provide stability to this critical workforce. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would do so, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply. It is well-past time we get this bipartisan legislation twice passed by the House of Representatives to the President’s desk.”
Newhouse and Lofgren were joined by Reps. Mike Simpson (R-ID), Jim Costa (D-CA), David Valadao (R-CA), and Adam Gray (D-CA) in introducing the legislation.
“The workforce crisis is the most important issue facing agriculture in our country,” said Rep. Mike Simpson. “Supporting American agriculture means providing a stable, reliable, and legal workforce, and this legislative solution addresses one of the most pressing concerns our farmers and ranchers face. Now that we finally have an administration taking the border crisis seriously, Congress must address this issue and enact necessary reforms. It is well past time we solve this problem. I look forward to working with my colleagues and getting this critical legislation across the finish line to President Trump’s desk for his signature.”
“American agriculture depends on a reliable workforce and nowhere is that more true than in California’s San Joaquin Valley, where farmworkers are the backbone of our economy. This legislation is a common-sense, bipartisan solution that provides stability for our farmers and dignity for the workers who feed America. If President Trump is serious about fixing our broken immigration system, he should work with us to get this bill across the finish line,” said Rep. Jim Costa.
“Central Valley farmers are the backbone of our nation’s agricultural industry, but they continue to face serious challenges finding and retaining a reliable workforce,” said Rep. David Valadao. “The current H-2A program doesn’t meet the labor needs of many producers, but the Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a positive step to addressing our agriculture workforce needs and securing our food supply chain. Food security is national security, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find long-term solutions that support our farmers and strengthen our food supply chain.”
“Farm workers and the larger agricultural community are the backbone of the Central Valley’s economy,” said Rep. Adam Gray. “Labor shortages on our farms could lead to higher food prices across the country and the Valley cannot afford to be shorthanded. This commonsense bipartisan bill would stabilize our vital workforce and make sure Valley farmers can continue to feed families across the country.”
The legislation passed the House of Representatives with strong bipartisan support in the 116th and 117th Congresses.
Click here for a two-page summary of the bill.
Click here for a section-by-section outline of the bill.
Click here for the full text of the bill.
###