Rep. Bob Goodlatte talks H-2A replacement

In an editorial for the non-profit group Farm Policy Facts, Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA-6) announced his intention to introduce a bill that would replace the H-2A program. He described his planned bill as the “Agricultural Guestworker Act” and that it would replace the H-2A program with a new H-2C program. The H-2C program would be administered by the USDA under the proposed bill, according to Goodlatte. He describes the proposed program as providing currently undocumented, but experienced, farm workers to become legally documented, as well as allowing workers “to stay for a longer period of time and provides flexible touchback requirements.” Though the editorial announcing these plans was published Sept. 6, the bill had not been introduced to the House as of press time Sept. 14.