U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) has joined 15 congressional colleagues to introduce the H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act, which addresses temporary work visa programs and workforce shortages.
“I represent 119 cities in Texas,” Gonzales said. “From urban cores to rural communities, one thing unites them all: a desperate need for labor. Unfortunately, solutions such as temporary work visa programs are riddled with red tape, making it difficult for employers to fully staff up. This is especially true for small businesses, farmers, ranchers, and so many others on Main Street that are struggling to get by.”
Legislation proponents indicated it seeks to streamline the process for H-2A and H-2B for employers, streamlines the process for H-2A/H-2B returning workers, and enhances job transparency.
The American Farm Bureau Federation, which supports the bill, noted labor is one of the biggest limiting factors in American agriculture and true reform to guest worker programs is needed more than ever.
“We appreciate Rep. Gonzales for introducing the HIRE Act, which will help streamline H-2A and H-2B to make hiring qualified workers easier and enable farmers to continue stocking the pantries of America’s families,” the organization wrote.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which also supports the measure, maintains the HIRE Act would aid agricultural commodity producers, forestry companies, seafood processors, landscapers and other businesses in finding seasonal workers for hard-to-fill jobs.