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Farmworker bill moves to full House

After four hours of debate, the U.S. House Judiciary Committee has passed legislation to provide a path to legal status for farmworkers.

During the hearing, Congresswomen Zoe Lofgren, a California Democrat and a co-sponsor, said she would prefer the bill exclude some of the proposed wage reforms, but after nine months to craft the legislation, it came down to compromise.

“This bill is a compromise because it’s not just for the workers, it’s also for the employers.”

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act establishes a program for farmworkers to earn legal status, improves existing temporary worker programs and implements a mandatory electronic employment verification for the ag industry.

Most proposed amendments by Republicans failed during the hearing but Lofgren said she hoped members could address concerns before it goes to the full House.

Several ag groups are praising its passage including the United Fresh Produce Association and the National Milk Producers Federation.