House Clears Farm Workforce Modernization Act, But Work Remains

The last time major changes were made to Ag labor laws in the U.S., the New York Mets were the World Series champions.  Dan Newhouse is hopeful that 33-year drought comes to an end thanks to the Farm Workforce Modernization Act he and Zoe Lofgren introduced a few months ago.

However, the American Farm Bureau Federation has been critical of the Act, saying its not what’s best for the U.S. Farmer.  Newhouse said he welcomes the input, and looks forward to working with the AFBF and others to ensure the legislation addresses the needs of all farmers in all commodities.

“I’m happy that Farm Bureau is engaged in this debate, and like I said, we will continue to work with them and others to prefect this legislation so we can have a legal workforce for agriculture in the United States.”

On Wednesday, the house approved the Act, known as House Bill 5038 by a 260-165 margin.  Now the legislation needs Senate approval before heading to President Trump for his signature.

Here is our conversation with Representative Newhouse from earlier this week regarding the Farm Workforce Modernization Act:

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