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“Securing America’s Future Act” fails, ag immigration reforms gone for now

The U.S. House defeated Congressmen Bob Goodlatte and Michael McCaul’s Securing America’s Future Act, and have shifted the debate to the so-called immigration compromise bill leaving agriculture without a worker visa fix.

Republican Representative Dan Newhouse of Washington supports the compromise bill but acknowledged more is needed for farmers.  “To me, something important this legislation does not address is the desperate need for a reliable, efficient, and fair program for American farmers to access a legal, stable supply of workers.”

Newhouse says House members are working to solve foreign labor issues for agriculture.  “I’m heartened by the commitment the Speaker, as well as the Majority Leader have given to me and others for a stand-alone vote on agricultural workforce legislation before the August recess.”

The vote on the first bill was 193 in favor and 231 against.  After debate on the second immigration bill, the House quickly brought up the House farm bill for reconsideration.  It passed by two votes, 213-211.