Brindisi-Sponsored Bipartisan Agriculture Labor Reform Bill to Modernize Worker Visa System Passes House

Statement

Congressman Anthony Brindisi announced that the Farm Workforce Modernization Act passed the House of Representatives this week. The legislation, originally co-sponsored by Brindisi, is a compromise between Republicans and Democrats to provide commonsense immigration and workforce reform.

The legislation includes key provisions from Brindisi's bipartisan Dairy and Sheep H-2A Visa Enhancement Act. Additionally, the legislation will establish mandatory E-Verify provisions for all agricultural employment.

"I've heard from farmers across our region calling for responsible, commonsense, bipartisan immigration reform and this bill delivers," Brindisi said. "Our legislation will expand key visa programs for dairy farms and strengthen the electronic verification process for all agriculture workers. Working together, with Democrats and Republicans, shows that Congress can get things done for our farmers."

This bipartisan legislation is supported by local farmers and prominent agriculture groups like the New York State Farm Bureau.

"Access to a stable, year-round workforce continues to be a major challenge for upstate New York dairy farmers like me," said Morrisville farmer Bill Banker. "We milk our cows every day of the year, which means the current seasonal visa program can't meet our needs. Congress needs to act on ag labor reform to allow our dairy sector to continue to thrive for years to come. It's not just about today, it's about keeping us farming in the future. The bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act takes critical steps to provide dairy farmers with a means of obtaining the workforce they need."

"With the ever-tightening labor market in this country, it has become nearly impossible for agriculture to meet its labor needs," said Homer farmer Mike McMahon. "Dairy especially is at risk as it does not qualify for legally documented workers (H-2A). Finally, a bill has been introduced: the Farm Workforce Modernization Act which will open up the H-2A program. This will accommodate the needs of dairy to enable it to bring legalization to their immigrant workforce through a current government program and eliminate the fear of reprisal and deportation of our labor force."

"Congressman Brindisi has been an outstanding champion for Upstate New York dairy farmers during his time in Congress, including writing a bipartisan bill earlier this year to address dairy's unique workforce challenges. NMPF commends Congressman Brindisi for his work in helping to introduce the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act, which provides an important starting point for badly needed improvements to agriculture immigration policy that address dairy's needs. We look forward to working with him as this effort continues to move through Congress," said Jim Mulhern, President and CEO of the National Milk Producers Federation.

"Agriculture is central to New York's economy," said Assemblywoman, and Chair of the Assembly Committee on Agriculture, Donna A. Lupardo. "The Farm Workforce Modernization Act will ensure that New York farms have the employees needed to remain competitive in an incredibly challenging industry. Our hardworking farmers our doing the work that many take for granted. It's our obligation to honor their efforts by passing this long overdue measure. I want to thank Congressman Brindisi and his colleagues for taking on this important subject and urge the Senate to follow their lead."

Farmers and ranchers across the United States are in desperate need of a high-quality, reliable workforce, and the current H-2A guestworker program is in need of meaningful, bipartisan reform. The Farm Workforce Modernization Act creates a workforce solution for America's agriculture industry by providing stability, predictability, and fairness to one of the most critical sectors of our nation's economy.

The bill will:

-Establish a program for agricultural workers in the United States to earn legal status through continued agricultural employment and contribution to the U.S. agricultural economy.
-Reform the H-2A program to provide more flexibility for employers, while ensuring critical protections for workers. The bill focuses on modifications to make the program more responsive and user-friendly for employers and provides access to the program for industries, like dairy, that have year-round labor needs.
-Establish mandatory, nationwide E-Verify system for all agricultural employment with a structured phase-in and guaranteed due process for authorized workers who are incorrectly rejected by the system.

The legislation is also supported by Chobani, National Milk Producers Federation, Dairy Farmers of America, Inc., International Dairy Food Association, Cayuga Milk Ingredients, U.S. Apple Association, New York Apple Association, New York State Berry Growers Association, New York State Flower Industries, and the New York State Vegetable Growers Association.

Co-leading the bill are Representatives Lofgren of California, the Chair of the Judiciary Immigration and Citizenship Subcommittee, and Newhouse of Washington.

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