We have exciting news to share with you. Farm workers were in Washington DC to see our bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019 pass the House Judiciary Committee on November 25 by a vote of 18-12. In addition to passing the Judiciary committee - this bipartisan bill has earned 54 cosponsors (29 D/25 R) plus the Congressional Hispanic Caucus has endorsed. The bill could be heard on the full Congressional floor this month.
We have reached a crucial point to up the pressure. Can you please take a moment now and help farm workers by reaching out to your Representative today and urge them to vote "yes" on this bill when the vote occurs on the full floor? It is extremely important for Congressional representatives to see the large showing of public support this bill has before this historic vote happens.
BACKGROUND:
As we shared in early November, after months of negotiating, Republicans and Democrats, the United Farm Workers and major grower associations have worked together to jointly introduce the Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2019. This bipartisan legislation creates a way for qualified undocumented farm workers to gain temporary legal status. They can then follow a roadmap to earned citizenship.
This bill is a milestone that will help bring stability to farm workers and their families and to the agricultural industry. No longer will children worry whether their moms and dads are coming home from work. The bill addresses the pervasive fear faced every day by the immigrant farm workers who perform one of the toughest jobs in America. The bill also includes significant new protections and rights for groups of farm workers previously excluded from basic rights.
Compromise was required to meet many differing needs. Changes were negotiated in the H2A program and also in employment verification for US farm workers. The bill now has a real chance of passing the US House of Representatives during this legislative session … and then we will have a fighting chance in the US Senate.
Farm workers can't wait. Two delegations from California, Washington and Oregon have already flown to DC to lobby and share their stories and the stories of their co-workers with their representatives. In addition, they have had delegations speak to their representatives and their staff locally.
Can you help farm workers lobby? This bipartisan bill can reach the floor of the US Congress this month. Please send an email today and encourage your Congressional representative to vote in favor of this critical bill.