The Farm Workforce Modernization Act has had trouble gaining traction in recent years because, in part, of problems with border security.
Washington Representative Dan Newhouse, who just announced he’ll not be seeking reelection next year, said it’s become easier to get conversations on the act moving now that the border issues are being addressed.
“The answer is yes. That is helping. Those that told me they couldn’t support increasing the number of people coming into the country while our border was so porous and in crisis, that is helping them get to a point where, okay, now we can look at the needs we have in agriculture.”
But then, Newhouse says border security isn’t the only issue some have with the bill.
“There’s still concern by a number of members that they want to make sure that Americans are not being denied employment opportunities. Why are we bringing in more foreign workers when there are a lot of people unemployed here? Of course, we have a story to tell there that most Americans don’t want to do the farmwork that we have to have done, and so that’s part of the educational challenges that we have.”
However, the border situation is helping the conversation.
“But I think, overall, yes! The better situation at the border is working in our favor as we push to get this done.”
The Farm Workforce Modernization Act has been a passion for Newhouse as he pushes to get it passed before the end of his final term.