U.S. Reps. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) and David Valadao (R-CA) on June 23 signed on as original cosponsors of a bipartisan bill to reform the federal program for nonimmigrant workers performing agricultural labor or services in America.
“The top concern for farmers and ranchers in central Washington and across the nation is labor, and the problem is only getting worse,” Rep. Newhouse said. “As a third-generation farmer, I know first-hand how challenging it is for the agriculture industry to hire and retain labor so we can continue to feed America and the world.”
“Food security is national security, and agricultural labor shortages threaten our ability to grow food for the nation,” Rep. Valadao added.
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023, H.R. 4319, which is sponsored by U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), would provide terms and conditions for the H-2A agricultural guestworker program and create a new, merit-based visa program specifically designed for the nation’s agricultural sector.
“The current H-2A program’s limitation to seasonal employment leaves many industries without the stable workforce that is vital to our food supply chain,” said Rep. Valadao. “The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is a common-sense solution that ensures our farmers have access to a legal and reliable workforce and streamlines the process for the future flow of workers.”
If enacted, H.R. 4319 would reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring protections for workers; modify the program to be more responsive and user-friendly for employers; and provide access to the program for industries with year-round labor needs, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.
Additionally, the bill would establish a program for agricultural workers in the United States to choose to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy, the summary says.
“The Farm Workforce Modernization Act is the solution to creating a secure, reliable agriculture labor program to provide certainty to our farmers and ranchers for a stable and legal workforce for years to come,” said Rep. Newhouse.
The International Fresh Produce Association, the National Milk Producers Federation, the U.S. Apple Association, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, Western Growers, the American Business Immigration Coalition Action, the Washington Winegrowers Association, and United Farm Workers endorsed H.R. 4319.
The legislation passed the U.S. House of Representatives with bipartisan support in the 116th and 117th Congresses, according to the lawmakers.
“The Farm Workforce Modernization Act stabilizes the workforce, which will protect the future of our farms and our food supply,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. “It’s well-past time we get this legislation that serves the best interests of our country to the president’s desk.”