Farm Workforce Modernization Act Updt Pt 2
From the Ag Information Network, I’m Bob Larson with today’s Fruit Grower Report. The clock is ticking on getting the Farm Workforce Modernization Act passed in the Senate this session …NEWHOUSE … “I’m not sure where the magic number that we need quite yet, but with the progress we’re making, I’m feeling optimistic.”
U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says the bill has now passed twice in the House, but for Senators, there might only be one real sticking point …
NEWHOUSE … “I think probably the one, overall issue here is still the situation at the southern border. A lot of people see that as out of control or in crisis and are unwilling to do anything, immigration-wise, while that’s still the case. They want to see border security before they support any kind of immigration revisions and changes.”
But in his mind, Newhouse believes it could be a win-win for both illegal immigration AND farm labor …
NEWHOUSE … “My argument there, as you’ve heard me say before, this legislation, this Farm Workforce Modernization Act is actually a part of the solution to reducing the flow of illegal immigration. And so, that’s the kind of message that we are working hard to get across to those that are in that position and mind-set.”
Some rumblings out of the Senate indicate that if the Farm Workforce Modernization Act doesn’t pass this month, it will not be brought back in the next session.