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Goodlatte ag guest worker bill advances

The ag guest worker bill sponsored by Congressman Bob Goodlatte of Virginia has passed the House Judiciary Committee by one vote. The proposal – which would replace the existing seasonal H2-A program – allows dairy farmers, meat processors and other year-round workers to apply. All Democrats on the committee and two Republicans (Stephen King of Iowa and Louie Gohmert of Texas) voted against it.

The measure is supported by the American Farm Bureau and National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. But, the bill would lift requirements that employers provide recipients with housing and transportation. Democrats offered multiple amendments to increase employee protections. They argued that by importing low-cost labor the proposal would undercut U.S. wages.

A statement from the Dairy Business Milk Marketing Co-op says while still a work in progress, the measure provides the best opportunity in years for finding a comprehensive solution that dairy farmers need.