Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.3848/H.R.7046, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2025. - H.J.Res.134/H.J.Res.135, the Congressional Review Act disapproving of DOL's "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States" rule (Docket #: ETA-2023-0003). Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns of DOL's Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.2253/H.R.4579, the Fairness for Farm Workers Act, which would require employers to compensate agricultural workers for hours worked in excess of their regular hours (i.e., 55 hours in 2022, 50 hours in 2023, 45 hours in 2024, and 40 hours in 2025) at not less than one and one-half times the employee's regular rate. This would essentially remove the agricultural exemption from the overtime requirements of the FLSA. - DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which would increase H-2A employers' cost even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.4069, the Affordable and Secure Food Act, which would be a comprehensive reform to the H-2A program. OTHER: - Thanked GT's office for a requesting a GAO report on how to improve the H-2A program. - Asked members to complete PFB's advocacy email asking House and Senate members to cosponsor S.3848/H.R.7046 (see description above). - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees.

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act East Coast Port Strike

Client expense: $250,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), Executive Office of the President (EOP), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

General Immigration Reform The Average Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) continues to financially burden agricultural producers who utilize the H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker program (H2-A program). HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act H-2A Legislative Reforms TN visa regulatory reforms

Client expense: $20,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

2024 Farm Bill Feral Swine Pilot Program -USDA AIFS Funding H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 S.874 - Farm Operations Support Act S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 H.R. 1437: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 S. 3358: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 Crop Insurance solutions to recover from weather related loss. Continuing Resolution

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

2024 Farm Bill Feral Swine Pilot Program -USDA AIFS Funding H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 S.874 - Farm Operations Support Act S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 H.R. 1437: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 S. 3358: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 Crop Insurance solutions to recover from weather related loss.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Proposed and Finalized regulations related to the H-2A and H-2B Guestworker Program; E-Verify; Guestworker programs; immigration reform; (S. 874/H. R. 3308) Farm Operations Support Act; S.J.Res.25;/H.J.Res.59; (H.R. 2) Secure the Border Act of 2023; (H. R. 4319) Farm Workforce Modernization Act; (H. R. 4708) HIRE ACT; (S.3848/ H.R. 7046) Supporting Farm Operations Act; (S. 4056) Affordable and Secure Food Act; House Agriculture Committee Agricultural Labor Working Group; FY 2025 Appropriations related to agricultural labor; HJ Res 134 and HJ Res 135

Client expense: $283,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

H.R. 2, Secure the Border Act of 2023 H.R. 16, American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 H.R. 319, Legal Workforce Act H.R. 575, Moving H-2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2023 H.R. 614, Commercial Fishing and Seafood Business Act of 2023 H.R. 1325/S. 255, Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023 H.R. 1535, Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023 H.R. 1760, To extend the admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain nonimmigrant H-2B workers H.R. 1778, Better Agriculture Resources Now (BARN) Act H.R. 1787, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide nonimmigrant status to mobile entertainment workers, and for other purposes H.R. 2393, Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2023 H.R. 2758, Returning Worker Accountability Act of 2023 H.R. 2827/S. 1301, Partner with Korea Act H.R. 2915, Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023 H.R. 3308/S. 874, Farm Operations Support Act H.R. 3442/S. 1667, Protecting Children of Long-Term Visa Holders Act of 2023 H.R. 3599, DIGNITY Act H.R. 3734, Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act H.R. 3808, Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023 H.R. 3911, Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2023 H.R. 4048, Venezuelan Adjustment Act H.R. 4319, Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023 H.R. 4358, PHDs First Act H.R. 4448, Canadian Snowbird Visa Act H.R. 4627/S. 2327, Afghan Adjustment Act H.R. 4647, High-skilled Immigration Reform for Employment Act H.R. 4665/S. 2438, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, H.R. 4708, H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act H.R. 4942/S. 665, Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act H.R. 5127, Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act H.R. 5155, Temporary Family Visitation Act H.R. 5477/S. 2384, Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023 H.R. 5990, Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 H.R. 6205, Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act H.R. 6542, Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023 H.R. 7046/S. 3848, Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 H.R. 7574, Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024 H.R. 8392, To Add Ireland to the E-3 Nonimmigrant Visa Program H.R. 8752, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025 H.R. 8771/S. 4797, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025 H.R. 9029/S. 4942, Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2025 H.R. 9747, Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 S. 156, Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act S. 243, A bill to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures for conducting maintenance projects at ports of entry at which the Office of Field Operations conducts certain enforcement and facilitation activities S. 255, Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023 S. 365, Dream Act of 2023 S. 387, Canadian Snowbirds Act of 2023 S. 979,H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2023 S. 1253, Securing America's Ports of Entry Act of 2023 S. 1727, Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act S. 1926, A bill to amend the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to make Uruguay eligible for designation as a beneficiary country under that Act, to include Uruguay in the list of foreign states whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E1 and E2 nonimmigrants if nationals of the United States are treated similarly by the Government of Uruguay, and to require a report on the eligibility of Uruguay for the visa waiver program, and for other purposes S. 2278, Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 S. 2324, Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act S. 2606, Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 S. 2632, Visa Processing Improvement Act S. 2705, State Executive Authority for Seasonal Occupations Needing Additional Labor (SEASONAL) Act S. 2719, Directing Our Countrys Transfer Of Residency Slots (DOCTORS) Act S. 2785, Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2023 S. 3013, A bill to permanently authorize the exemption of aliens working as fish processors from the numerical limitation on H-2B nonimmigrant visas S. 3187, Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023 S. 3211, Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act S. 3255, Temporary Family Visitation Act S. 3291, EAGLE Act of 2023 S. 4069, Affordable and Secure Food Act of 2024 S. 4361, The Border Act of 2024 S. 4591, A bill to permanently authorize the exemption of aliens working as fish processors from the numerical limitation on H-2B nonimmigrant visas S.4638, National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 S. 4888, A bill to include Czechia in the list of foreign states whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E-1 nonimmigrants if United States nationals are treated similarly by the Government of Czechia H.Res. 481, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that BridgeUSA exchange programs are vital to the economy and national interests of the United States, and that Congress should prioritize robust support to ensure equitable opportunities for Americans and people from other countries Various issues relating to visa waiver program; H-1B Visa Program; H-1B registration rule; H-1B reform; H-2 Visa Program and temporary rule; H-2B Visa Program and cap relief; H-2A Visa Program; H-4 rule; L-1 Visa Program; J-1 Programs; Bridge USA program; EB-5 Visa Program; E-Verify program; nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal nonagricultural employment; Customs and Border Protection staffing at U.S. ports of entry; border security; immigration policy and reforms; guest worker programs; legalization concepts; visa reform; customs trade facilitation and enforcement; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program; extension of temporary protected status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti; administrative-regulatory efforts related to public charge, notice to appear, H-4 & OPT; delays in H-4 and L-2 Status Extensions and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs); Office of Foreign Labor Certifications Planned Implementation of Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification, into DOLs Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System; high-skilled immigration; lesser skilled immigration; temporary agricultural guest workers; temporary non-agricultural guest workers; optional practical training program; asylum and refugee programs; size and administration of employment-based immigrant visa categories; size and administration of family-based immigrant visa categories; size and administration of employment-based nonimmigrant visa categories; expansion of the use of the E-Verify system; I-9 employment verification; interior enforcement; increased vetting of visa applicants; unfair immigration related employment practices; international travel; trusted traveler programs; biometric entry-exit; increasing the number of ICE officers, border patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers; aerial security enhancements; EB-5 Regional Center Program and the Implementation of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, P.L. 117-103, Division BB; State Department policies extending consular interview waiver eligibility for various classifications of nonimmigrants; USCIS Fee Schedule; regulatory proposals that would restrict applicant eligibility for the H-1B program; regulatory proposals that would drastically change how prevailing wage levels are determined for the purposes of obtaining certain employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visas; proposals that would significantly change how cap-subject H-1B petitions will be chosen in the future; regulatory proposals that would change how the period of admission for student visa holders and exchange visa holders is determined; regulatory proposals that will temporarily raise the annual quota for H-2B visas; regulatory proposals reopening and expanding consular operations; recapturing unused immigrant visas from prior years; creating exemptions to the current immigrant visa caps; proposals that would expand consular interview waivers for prospective immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants abroad; proposals that would provide relief for Afghan nationals; expanding the eligibility for stateside renewal of work visas; implementation of electronic visa foils in passports; consular service delays; USCIS processing delays; DOL processing delays; visa relief for long term foreign national workers laid off by their employers while waiting for their green cards in the immigrant visa backlogs; improving wait times for CBP Processing at Ports of Entry; expanding and implementing new CBP preclearance facilities abroad; reforms to the use of parole authority; extending the validity period for employment authorization documents; reforms to the State Departments Visa Bulletin; implementation of the new optional I-9 document verification procedures; expanded mandatory detention of unauthorized aliens in the U.S.; expansion of expulsion/removal authorities; changes to the legal standard for credible fear interviews for asylum applicants; modifying asylum eligibility requirements; expanding availability of special immigrant visas for Afghan nationals; providing additional visas for foreign nationals to work in the U.S. on Defense Department Projects (FORTRESS Act Amendment); reforms to the adjudication process for inadmissibility waivers; regulatory proposals that change how the H-2A program will be administered; proposals that will adjust what types of foreign nationals are eligible for obtaining employment authorization and advance parole documents; expanding E visa eligibility; expanding and updating the J-1 Exchange Visitor Skill List

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. H.R.6142 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. H.R.6271 - Farm to Fly Act of 2023; support for affirming the definition of "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" and expanding opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel. H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Others Extensions Act, 2024; support for extending the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). H.R.6379 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). H.R.6508 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024; opposition to restricting USDA rulemaking and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, support for retaining funds from merger filing fees for antitrust enforcement. H.R.7444 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. H.R.6661 - Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing USDA's Rural Cooperative and Development Grants (RCDG) to better serve underserved rural communities. H.R.3904 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. H.R.7769 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. H.R.8052 - Year-Round E15 Act of 2024; support for allowing the year-round sale of E15 in certain states in 2024. H.R.8544 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. H.R.530 - Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act; issues pertaining to limiting livestock auction market owners from holding an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of meatpacking plants. H.R.8467 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024; issues pertaining to passing a 2024 farm bill that supports family farmers and ranchers and strengthens food security. H.R.9787 - Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act of 2024; support for restricting eligibility for the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) to domestically produced feedstocks; support for extending the tax credit through 2034. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. S.3378 - Rural Energy Equity Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small- and mid-sized producers. S.3497 - FARM Home Loans Act of 2023; support for modifying the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to modify rural housing financing to increase competition in the rural home mortgage market. S.J.Res. 62 - Disapproval of the Rule relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef from Paraguay"; support for reinstating the ban on beef imports from Paraguay. S.3309 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. S.2458 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. S.4018 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. S.4422 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. S.2340 - Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act of 2023; support for establishing a federal program that strengthens land, capital, and market access for beginning and underserved farmers and ranchers. S.Res.71 - A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness; support for the resolution. S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. S.4963 - Wildlife-Agriculture Disease Prevention Act of 2024; support for establishing a Wildlife-Agriculture Disease Coordinator within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to prevent and respond to zoonotic disease outbreaks. S.1237 - Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act of 2023; support for exempting family farms and small businesses with less than 100 full-time employees from reporting land and equipment as assets during student financial aid contribution calculations. S.5106 - Livestock Owned by Communities to Advance Local Foods Act; support for exemptions for certain small-scale operators from several meat inspection regulations. S.5145 - Farmer First Fuel Incentives Act of 2024; support for restricting eligibility for the Clean Fuel Production Credit (45Z) to domestically produced feedstocks; support for extending the tax credit through 2034. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). Issues pertaining to payment calculations under the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs. Issues pertaining to the distribution, sale, and use of dicamba herbicide products. Issues pertaining to support for returning the Class I mover formula to the "higher-of" the Class III or IV calculations. Issues pertaining to conditions for make allowance changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearings. Issues pertaining to implementation of the Sustainability Targets in Agriculture to Incentivize Natural Solutions (SUSTAINS) Act.

Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a long-term solution to our agricultural workforce needs. We continue to communicate to Congress on the out-of-control growth in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) and challenges with the H-2A visa program. We are also concerned with a few recent rules from the Biden Administration and shared those concerns with Congress. Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with Congress in opposition to the Department of Labors rule regarding the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants (Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, Docket Number ETA-2021-0006). MFB is supporting a Congressional Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) in opposition to the final AEWR rule and is encouraging Members of Congress to support it. The rule neglects to account for the fact that farm job descriptions often include many different responsibilities not just one role as the rule assumes. MFB is also supporting H.R. 7046 and S. 3848 the Supporting Farm Operations Act. The bill would pause the AEWR at the 2023 level thru the end of 2025. MFB has voiced concerns with Congress about a recent trend in denying TN (USMCA) visas for agricultural employees. Many farmers are using the program to bring skilled professionals to work on farms and agricultural businesses. The Department of State has been denying many of the applications this past year and this is leading to a shortage in workers for these businesses.

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act East Coast Port Strike

Client expense: $350,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: - S.3848/H.R.7046, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2025. - H.J.Res.134/H.J.Res.135, the Congressional Review Act disapproving of DOL's "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States" rule (Docket #: ETA-2023-0003). Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns of DOL's Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: - S.2253/H.R.4579, the Fairness for Farm Workers Act, which would require employers to compensate agricultural workers for hours worked in excess of their regular hours (i.e., 55 hours in 2022, 50 hours in 2023, 45 hours in 2024, and 40 hours in 2025) at not less than one and one-half times the employee's regular rate. This would essentially remove the agricultural exemption from the overtime requirements of the FLSA. - DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which would increase H-2A employers' cost even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.4069, the Affordable and Secure Food Act, which would be a comprehensive reform to the H-2A program. OTHER: - Asked members to complete PFB's advocacy email asking House and Senate members to cosponsor S.3848/H.R.7046 (see description above). - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees.

General Immigration Reform The Average Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) continues to financially burden agricultural producers who utilize the H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker program (H2-A program). HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act H-2A Legislative Reforms TN visa regulatory reforms

Client expense: $80,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. H.R.6142 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. H.R.6271 - Farm to Fly Act of 2023; support for affirming the definition of "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" and expanding opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel. H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Others Extensions Act, 2024; support for extending the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). H.R.6379 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). H.R.6508 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024; opposition to restricting USDA rulemaking and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, support for retaining funds from merger filing fees for antitrust enforcement. H.R.7444 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. H.R.6661 - Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing USDA's Rural Cooperative and Development Grants (RCDG) to better serve underserved rural communities. H.R.3904 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. H.R.7769 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. H.R.8052 - Year-Round E15 Act of 2024; support for allowing the year-round sale of E15 in certain states in 2024. H.R.8544 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. H.R.530 - Amplifying Processing of Livestock in the United States (A-PLUS) Act; issues pertaining to limiting livestock auction market owners from holding an ownership interest in, finance, or participate in the management or operation of meatpacking plants. H.R.8467 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024; issues pertaining to passing a 2024 farm bill that supports family farmers and ranchers and strengthens food security. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. S.3378 - Rural Energy Equity Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small- and mid-sized producers. S.3497 - FARM Home Loans Act of 2023; support for modifying the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to modify rural housing financing to increase competition in the rural home mortgage market. S.J.Res. 62 - Disapproval of the Rule relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef from Paraguay"; support for reinstating the ban on beef imports from Paraguay. S.3309 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. S.2458 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. S.4018 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. S.4422 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. S.2340 - Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act of 2023; support for establishing a federal program that strengthens land, capital, and market access for beginning and underserved farmers and ranchers. S.Res.71 - A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness; support for the resolution. S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). Issues pertaining to payment calculations under the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs. Issues pertaining to the distribution, sale, and use of dicamba herbicide products. Issues pertaining to support for returning the Class I mover formula to the "higher-of" the Class III or IV calculations. Issues pertaining to conditions for make allowance changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearings.

Proposed and Finalized regulations related to the H-2A and H-2B Guestworker Program; E-Verify; Guestworker programs; immigration reform; (S. 874/H. R. 3308) Farm Operations Support Act; S.J.Res.25;/H.J.Res.59; (H.R. 2) Secure the Border Act of 2023; (H. R. 4319) Farm Workforce Modernization Act; (H. R. 4708) HIRE ACT; (S.3848/ H.R. 7046) Supporting Farm Operations Act; (S. 4056) Affordable and Secure Food Act; House Agriculture Committee Agricultural Labor Working Group; FY 2025 Appropriations related to agricultural labor; HJ Res 134 and HJ Res 135

Client expense: $275,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

H.R. 2, Secure the Border Act of 2023 H.R. 16, American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 H.R. 29, Border Safety and Security Act of 2023 H.R. 163, Security First Act H.R. 319, Legal Workforce Act H.R. 489, Expedited Removal Codification Act of 2023 H.R. 575, Moving H-2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2023 H.R. 614, Commercial Fishing and Seafood Business Act of 2023 H.R. 672, Border Security Investment Act H.R. 815, National Security Act of 2024 H.R. 1325/S. 255, Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023 H.R. 1511, Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 H.R. 1535, Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023 H.R. 1760, To extend the admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain nonimmigrant H-2B workers H.R. 1778, Better Agriculture Resources Now (BARN) Act H.R. 1787, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide nonimmigrant status to mobile entertainment workers, and for other purposes H.R. 2393, Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2023 H.R. 2758, Returning Worker Accountability Act of 2023 H.R. 2827/S. 1301, Partner with Korea Act H.R. 2882, Making Further Consolidated Appropriations for FY24 H.R. 2915, Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023 H.R. 3308/S. 874, Farm Operations Support Act H.R. 3442/S. 1667, Protecting Children of Long-Term Visa Holders Act of 2023 H.R. 3599, DIGNITY Act H.R. 3734, Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act H.R. 3808, Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023 H.R. 3911, Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2023 H.R. 4048, Venezuelan Adjustment Act H.R. 4319, Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023 H.R. 4358, PHDs First Act H.R. 4367/S. 2625, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4448, Canadian Snowbird Visa Act H.R. 4627/S. 2327, Afghan Adjustment Act H.R. 4647, High-skilled Immigration Reform for Employment Act H.R. 4665/S. 2438, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, H.R. 4708, H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act H.R. 4942/S. 665, Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act H.R. 5127, Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act H.R. 5155, Temporary Family Visitation Act H.R. 5477/S. 2384, Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023 H.R. 5894/S. 2624, Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes. H.R. 5990, Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 H.R. 6205, Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act H.R. 6363, Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 H.R. 6542, Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023 H.R. 6904, Support Our Afghan Partners Act of 2023 H.R. 7046/S. 3848, Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 H.R. 7262, Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024 H.R. 7574, Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024 H.R. 8392, To Add Ireland to the E-3 Nonimmigrant Visa Program H.R. 8752, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2025 H.R. 8771, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2025 S. 156, Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act S. 207, Temporary Protected Status Reform and Integrity Act S. 243, A bill to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures for conducting maintenance projects at ports of entry at which the Office of Field Operations conducts certain enforcement and facilitation activities S. 255, Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023 S. 365, Dream Act of 2023 S. 387, Canadian Snowbirds Act of 2023 S. 425, Secure and Protect Act of 2023 S. 505, Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023 S. 979,H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2023 S. 1253, Securing America's Ports of Entry Act of 2023 S. 1727, Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act S. 1786, Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023 S. 1926, A bill to amend the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to make Uruguay eligible for designation as a beneficiary country under that Act, to include Uruguay in the list of foreign states whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E1 and E2 nonimmigrants if nationals of the United States are treated similarly by the Government of Uruguay, and to require a report on the eligibility of Uruguay for the visa waiver program, and for other purposes S. 2278, Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 S. 2324, Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act S. 2606, Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 S. 2632, Visa Processing Improvement Act S. 2705, State Executive Authority for Seasonal Occupations Needing Additional Labor (SEASONAL) Act S. 2719, Directing Our Countrys Transfer Of Residency Slots (DOCTORS) Act S. 2785, Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2023 S. 3013, A bill to permanently authorize the exemption of aliens working as fish processors from the numerical limitation on H-2B nonimmigrant visas S. 3187, Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023 S. 3211, Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act S. 3255, Temporary Family Visitation Act S. 3291, EAGLE Act of 2023 S. 4069, Affordable and Secure Food Act of 2024 S. 4361, The Border Act of 2024 S. 4591, A bill to permanently authorize the exemption of aliens working as fish processors from the numerical limitation on H-2B nonimmigrant visas H.J.Res 59/S.J.Res. 25, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States" H.Res. 481, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that BridgeUSA exchange programs are vital to the economy and national interests of the United States, and that Congress should prioritize robust support to ensure equitable opportunities for Americans and people from other countries Notice, U.S. Department of State; Pilot Program to Resume Renewal of H-1B Nonimmigrant Visas in the United States for Certain Qualified Noncitizens (88 Fed. Reg. 88,467-88,470, December 21, 2023) Request for Information, Employment Training Administration, Department of Labor; Labor Certification for Permanent Employment of Foreign Workers in the United States; Modernizing Schedule A To Include Consideration of Additional Occupations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) and Non-STEM Occupations (88 Fed. Reg. 88,290-88,295, December 21, 2023) Various issues relating to visa waiver program; H-1B Visa Program; H-1B registration rule; H-1B reform; H-2 Visa Program and temporary rule; H-2B Visa Program and cap relief; H-2A Visa Program H-4 rule; L-1 Visa Program; J-1 Programs; Bridge USA program; EB-5 Visa Program; E-Verify program; nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal nonagricultural employment; Customs and Border Protection staffing at U.S. ports of entry; border security; immigration policy and reforms; guest worker programs; legalization concepts; visa reform; customs trade facilitation and enforcement; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program; extension of temporary protected status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti; administrative-regulatory efforts related to public charge, notice to appear, H-4 & OPT; delays in H-4 and L-2 Status Extensions and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs); Office of Foreign Labor Certifications Planned Implementation of Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification, into DOLs Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System; high-skilled immigration; lesser skilled immigration; temporary agricultural guest workers; temporary non-agricultural guest workers; optional practical training program; asylum and refugee programs; size and administration of employment-based immigrant visa categories; size and administration of family-based immigrant visa categories; size and administration of employment-based nonimmigrant visa categories; expansion of the use of the E-Verify system; I-9 employment verification; interior enforcement; increased vetting of visa applicants; unfair immigration related employment practices; international travel; trusted traveler programs; biometric entry-exit; increasing the number of ICE officers, border patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers; aerial security enhancements; EB-5 Regional Center Program and the Implementation of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, P.L. 117-103, Division BB; State Department policies extending consular interview waiver eligibility for various classifications of nonimmigrants; USCIS Fee Schedule; regulatory proposals that would restrict applicant eligibility for the H-1B program; regulatory proposals that would drastically change how prevailing wage levels are determined for the purposes of obtaining certain employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visas; proposals that would significantly change how cap-subject H-1B petitions will be chosen in the future; regulatory proposals that would change how the period of admission for student visa holders and exchange visa holders is determined; regulatory proposals that will temporarily raise the annual quota for H-2B visas; regulatory proposals reopening and expanding consular operations; recapturing unused immigrant visas from prior years; creating exemptions to the current immigrant visa caps proposals that would expand consular interview waivers for prospective immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants abroad; proposals that would provide relief for Afghan nationals; expanding the eligibility for stateside renewal of work visas; implementation of electronic visa foils in passports; consular service delays; USCIS processing delays; DOL processing delays; Visa relief for long term foreign national workers laid off by their employers while waiting for their green cards in the immigrant visa backlogs; improving wait times for CBP Processing at Ports of Entry; expanding and implementing new CBP preclearance facilities abroad; reforms to the use of parole authority; extending the validity period for employment authorization documents; reforms to the State Departments Visa Bulletin; implementation of the new optional I-9 document verification procedures; expanded mandatory detention of unauthorized aliens in the U.S.; expansion of expulsion/removal authorities; changes to the legal standard for credible fear interviews for asylum applicants; modifying asylum eligibility requirements; expanding availability of special immigrant visas for Afghan nationals; providing additional visas for foreign nationals to work in the U.S. on Defense Department Projects (FORTRESS Act Amendment); reforms to the adjudication process for inadmissibility waivers; regulatory proposals that change how the H-2A program will be administered; proposals that will adjust what types of foreign nationals are eligible for obtaining employment authorization and advance parole documents; expanding E visa eligibility

H.R.1287 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. H.R.945 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. H.R.1495 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. H.R.1459 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. H.R.1249 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. H.R.1608 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for provisions permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. H.R.2434 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. H.R.1840 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. H.R.2723 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. H.R.2728 - Young Farmer Success Act of 2023; support for making full-time farmers and ranchers eligible for student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program. H.R.3478 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. H.R.3922 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. H.R.4239 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. H.R.4288 - Agricultural Labeling Uniformity Act of 2023; support for reaffirming EPA as the primary authority under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) to make scientific findings on pesticides and prohibiting states imposing additional labeling or packaging requirements. H.R.5268 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. H.R.5389 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. H.R.4327 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. H.R.4979 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers; extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. H.R.5051 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increased programatic emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. H.R.5081 - Country of Origin Labeling Enforcement Act of 2023; support for requiring beef products bearing "Made in the USA" or substantially similar labels be exclusively born, raised, slaughtered, and packaged in the United States. H.R.5604 - Agricultural Right to Repair Act of 2023; support for guaranteeing farmers complete access, on fair and reasonable terms, to fix their own farm equipment, and guaranteeing similar support to independent mechanics. H.R.6142 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. H.R.6271 - Farm to Fly Act of 2023; support for affirming the definition of "Sustainable Aviation Fuel" and expanding opportunities for sustainable aviation fuel. H.R.6363 - Further Continuing Appropriations and Others Extensions Act, 2024; support for extending the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). H.R.6379 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). H.R.6508 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. H.R.4366 - Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024; opposition to restricting USDA rulemaking and enforcement of the Packers and Stockyards Act, support for retaining funds from merger filing fees for antitrust enforcement. H.R.7444 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. H.R.6661 - Strengthening Rural Cooperatives and Communities Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing USDA's Rural Cooperative and Development Grants (RCDG) to better serve underserved rural communities. H.R.3904 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. H.R.7769 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. H.R.8052 - Year-Round E15 Act of 2024; support for allowing the year-round sale of E15 in certain states in 2024. H.R.8544 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. H.R.8467 - Farm, Food, and National Security Act of 2024; issues pertaining to passing a 2024 farm bill that supports family farmers and ranchers and strengthens food security. S.52 - American Beef Labeling Act of 2023; support for mandatory country-of-origin labeling for beef. S.228 - Cattle Price Discovery and Transparency Act of 2023; support for increasing price discovery in cattle markets. S.346 - Meat and Poultry Special Investigator Act of 2023; support for establishing an office of the special investigator for competition matters at USDA. S.354 - Strengthening Local Processing Act of 2023; support for providing assistance and expanding resources for small meat and poultry processors. S.719 - Precision Agriculture Loan Act of 2023; support for providing low-interest agriculture loans to producers who adopt precision agriculture technologies. S.720 - Producing Responsible Energy and Conservation Incentives and Solutions for the Environment Act of 2023; support for incentivizing the purchase and adoption of precision agriculture technologies under USDA programs. S.785 - Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent. S.557 - Opportunities for Fairness in Farming Act of 2023; support for reforms to USDA mandatory checkoff programs, prevent conflicts of interest, and increase transparency and oversight of checkoff dollars. S.944 - Next Generation Fuels Act of 2023; support for increasing the minimum research octane number (RON) at 98, requirements for added octane value reduce carbon emissions by at least 40 percent compared to regular gasoline. S.901 - Safe American Food Exports Act of 2023; support for providing authority for USDA APHIS, FSIS, and FAS to preemptively negotiate regionalization agreements for known animal disease threats. S.1020 - Livestock Research Consolidation Act of 2023; support for research into the impacts of livestock market consolidation on farmers, ranchers, and consumers. S.1016 - Agriculture Resilience Act of 2023; support for promoting emissions' reductions in agriculture, improve soil health, enhance resilience, and create new market opportunities. S.1205 - Local Farms and Food Act of 2023; support for farm programs that support the expansion of local and regional food systems. S.1736 - Farmers First Act of 2023; support for reauthorizing and increasing funding for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network (FRSAN). S.1690 - Conservation Opportunity and Voluntary Environment Resilience Program Act of 2023; support for providing crop insurance premium discounts to producers who plant cover crops or use other practices that benefit soil health and reduce risk. S.1628 - America Grows Act of 2023; support for increasing funding for agricultural research at USDA research agencies. S.1867 - Expanding Childcare in Rural America Act of 2023; support for new USDA programs that address availability, quality, and cost of childcare in agricultural and rural communities. S.2023 - Seeds and Breeds for the Future Act of 2023; support for increasing research and development into regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. S.2071 - Reliable Rail Service Act of 2023; support for statutorily defining common carrier obligations and establishing specific criteria for the STB to consider when assessing obligation violations by rail carriers. S.2155 - Rebuild Rural America Act of 2023; support for new block grant programs investing in long-term rural economic development projects. S.2452 - Biomanufacturing and Jobs Act of 2023; support for updates to USDA's BioPreferred program, increases in federal procurement of biobased-only contracts and purchases. S.2479 - Converting Our Waste Sustainably Act of 2023; support for establishing a voluntary manure management conservation program. S.2542 - Linking Access to Spur Technology for Agriculture Connectivity in Rural Environments Act of 2023; support for a new competitive grants and loan program to advance connectivity across acreage and updates to quinquennial Census of Agriculture to include questions on adoption of broadband access services. S.2594 - Rural Energy for America Program Modernization Act of 2023; support reauthorizing the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP), increasing program cost-share, streamlining application processes, and increasing program emphasis on greenhouse gas emissions reductions. S.2598 - Whole Farm Revenue Protection Program Improvement Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Whole Farm Revenue Protection (WFRP) Program for small, mid-sized, beginning, specialty crop, and diversified producers. S.2635 - Flex Fuel Fairness Act of 2023; support for incentives to automakers to manufacture flex fuel vehicles. S.2670 - Fairness for Small-Scale Farmers and Ranchers Act of 2023; support for establishing a moratorium on and review of agribusiness, food, and grocery mergers, reinstatement of country-of-origin labeling for beef and pork; updates to unlawful practices under the Packers and Stockyards Act, funding for technical assistance and outreach for beginning, retired, and socially disadvantaged farmers, extended funding for Local Agriculture Market Program (LAMP), investments in supply chain infrastructure and processing facilities. S.2707 - Nationwide Consumer Fuel and Retailer Choice Act of 2023; support for permitting the year-round sale of ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, prohibiting remove of 1-psi waiver for E10 ethanol. S.2890 - Producer and Agricultural Credit Enhancement Act of 2023; support adjusting USDA FSA loan limits, increasing options for distressed borrowers. S.3378 - Rural Energy Equity Act of 2023; support for improving access to the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) for small- and mid-sized producers. S.3497 - FARM Home Loans Act of 2023; support for modifying the Farm Credit Act of 1971 to modify rural housing financing to increase competition in the rural home mortgage market. S.J.Res. 62 - Disapproval of the Rule relating to "Importation of Fresh Beef from Paraguay"; support for reinstating the ban on beef imports from Paraguay. S.3309 - Rural Partnership and Prosperity Act of 2023; support for creating multiyear, flexible federal grant programs that better direct funding and technical assistance to rural communities. S.2458 - Crop Insurance for Future Farmers Act of 2023; support for aligning the definition of a beginning farmer with other programs, increasing premium subsidies for beginning and veteran farmers. S.4018 - Farm Transitions Act of 2024; support for establishing a commission at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study and make recommendations on the barriers to farm and agricultural land ownership and other challenges facing young and beginning farmers. S.4422 - Fair Repair Act of 2024; support for requiring original equipment manufacturers making diagnostic, maintenance, and repair equipment available to independent repair providers. S.2340 - Increasing Land Access, Security, and Opportunities Act of 2023; support for establishing a federal program that strengthens land, capital, and market access for beginning and underserved farmers and ranchers. S.Res.71 - A resolution supporting the designation of May 29, 2024, as "Mental Health Awareness in Agriculture Day" to raise awareness around mental health in the agricultural industry and workforce and to continue to reduce stigma associated with mental illness; support for the resolution. S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; support for freezing the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) under the H-2A program to the rate in effect on December 31, 2023. Issues other than legislation: Issues pertaining to the extension of the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (Pub. L. 115-334). Issues pertaining to payment calculations under the Emergency Relief Program (ERP). Issues pertaining to adjusting farm program loan rates and price-based triggers to reflect commodity prices and input costs. Issues pertaining to creating a dual enrollment option for Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC). Issues pertaining to authorizing a voluntary update of base acres and yields for farm programs. Issues pertaining to disaster assistance for farmers and ranchers. Issues pertaining to crop insurance, including funding and prioritization. Issues pertaining to strengthening federal antitrust enforcement. Issues pertaining to strengthening protections for farmers and ranchers producing agricultural commodities under contract. Issues pertaining to strengthening product of the United States labeling standards. Issues pertaining to mandatory country-of-origin labeling. Issues pertaining to ensuring farmers, ranchers, and independent repair professionals have access to parts and service materials needed to repair farm equipment. Issues pertaining to strengthening Livestock Mandatory Price Reporting. Issues pertaining to improvements to meat and poultry slaughter and processing facilities to increase processing capacity. Issues pertaining to reforming checkoff programs to be producer controlled and regularly reviewed. Issues pertaining to balancing supply and demand for the dairy industry. Issues pertaining to support for higher-level blends of ethanol. Issues pertaining to support for sustainable aviation fuel. Issues pertaining to support for the development of renewable energy infrastructure. Issues pertaining to support for the Rural Energy for American Program (REAP) for renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Issues pertaining to climate change and its impact in the agriculture, food, and forestry sectors. Issues pertaining to funding for climate-smart agriculture. Issues pertaining to funding for agricultural conservation programs and conservation technical assistance. Issues pertaining to funding for the Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative. Issues pertaining to funding and support for investments in research, outreach, and education to support on-farm climate mitigation and adaptation. Issues pertaining to funding and support for cooperative development, the Rural Cooperative Development Grant Program (RCDG), and Cooperative Development Centers Issues pertaining to funding and support for addressing farm stress and farmer mental health, including support for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Program (FRSAN). Issues pertaining to national crisis hotlines for farmers, ranchers, and agricultural workers. Issues pertaining to implementation and funding for broadband and high-speed internet in rural areas, including support for the ReConnect program. Issues pertaining to agriculture workforce and immigration reform. Issues pertaining to fair and predictable H-2A program wages. Issues pertaining to health and safety of farm workers and rural communities. Issues pertaining to the integrity of the National Organic Standards and the certified organic label. Issues pertaining to domestic nutrition assistance programs. Issues pertaining to Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Issues pertaining to livestock animal identification rules. Issues pertaining to the labeling and use of pesticides. Issues pertaining to support for public agricultural research for regionally adapted and publicly available seed varieties and animal breeds. Issues pertaining to supporting beginning, veteran, and socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers through farm programs. Issues pertaining to the distribution, sale, and use of dicamba herbicide products. Issues pertaining to support for returning the Class I mover formula to the "higher-of" the Class III or IV calculations. Issues pertaining to conditions for make allowance changes in the Federal Milk Marketing Order (FMMO) hearings.

H.R. 7046/S. 3848; The Supporting Farm Operations Act - INFB is supportive of H.R. 7046 and S. 3848, the Supporting Farm Operations Act. This legislation would freeze the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) at 2023 levels for two years. Additionally, it would direct the Department of Labor to utilize a primary duties test for H-2A employees performing more than one duty or task. Our members rely on H-2A labor and these reforms would greatly benefit farmers that utilize the program.

Client expense: $40,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

ASKED TO SUPPORT THE FOLLOWING: S.3848/H.R.7046, the Supporting Farm Operations Act, which would freeze the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) at the level that was established in 2023 until end of 2025. H.J.Res.134/H.J.Res.135, the Congressional Review Act disapproving of DOL's "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States" rule. ASKED TO OPPOSE THE FOLLOWING: DOL's March 2023 AEWR calculation/methodology rule (Docket #: ETA-2021-0006), which would increase H-2A employers' cost even more by changing the methodology for how the AEWR is calculated. NEUTRAL/MONITORED BUT NOT LOBBIED BILLS: - S.4069, the Affordable and Secure Food Act, which would be a comprehensive reform to the H-2A program. OTHER: - Asked members to complete PFB's advocacy email asking House and Senate members to cosponsor S.3848/H.R.7046 (see description above). - Had conversations with PA House and Senate Members over PFB's concerns with OSHA's advanced notice of proposed rulemaking regarding heat illness (Docket #:OSHA-2021-0009-0001). This would protect indoor and outdoor workers from hazardous heat, and obtain additional information about the extent and nature of hazardous heat in the workplace and the nature and effectiveness of interventions and controls used to prevent heat-related injury and illness. However, the provisions would be extremely difficult for agricultural employers to comply with because the temperature for when the proposed rule kicks in would be 85 degrees. - Had conversations with PA delegation over PFB's concerns of DOL's Notice of Proposed Rule Making entitled Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States (Docket #: ETA-2023-0003).

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a long-term solution to our agricultural workforce needs. We continue to communicate to Congress on the out-of-control growth in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) and challenges with the H-2A visa program. We are also concerned with a few recent rules from the Biden Administration and shared those concerns with Congress. Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with Congress in opposition to the Department of Labors rule regarding the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants (Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, Docket Number ETA-2021-0006). MFB is supporting a Congressional Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) in opposition to the final AEWR rule and is encouraging Members of Congress to support it. The rule neglects to account for the fact that farm job descriptions often include many different responsibilities not just one role as the rule assumes. MFB is also supporting H.R. 7046 and S. 3848 the Supporting Farm Operations Act. The bill would pause the AEWR at the 2023 level thru the end of 2025. MFB also supported a letter to Appropriators for pausing the AEWR in the FY224 Appropriations process. The letter was led by Rep. Bill Huizenga. MFB also communicated with Congress on the USCIS proposed rule to increase fees for the H-2A and H-2B visa programs. Specifically, USCIS proposes to raise filing fees for H-2A and H-2B petitions by 137% and 135%, respectively. In addition, USCIS proposes an additional $600 asylum fee per petition. Furthermore, by capping each petition at 25 workers, employers with a larger guest worker need, will incur these costs potentially multiple times over. MFB is very concerned with these proposed charges to farmers and has asked Congress to weigh in. MFB has voiced concerns with Congress about a recent trend in denying TN (USMCA) visas for agricultural employees. Many farmers are using the program to bring skilled professionals to work on farms and agricultural businesses. The Department of State has been denying many of the applications this past year and this is leading to a shortage in workers for these businesses.

H.R. 7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; S. 3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024; Rising labor costs for farmers.

Client expense: $20,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act

Client expense: $370,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

2024 Farm Bill Feral Swine Pilot Program -USDA AIFS Funding H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 S.874 - Farm Operations Support Act S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 H.R. 1437: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 S. 3358: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 Crop Insurance solutions to recover from weather related loss.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

General Immigration Reform The Average Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) continues to financially burden agricultural producers who utilize the H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker program (H2-A program). HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act H-2A Legislative Reforms TN visa regulatory reforms

Client expense: $10,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Proposed and Finalized regulations related to the H-2A and H-2B Guestworker Program; E-Verify; Guestworker programs; immigration reform; (S. 874/H. R. 3308) Farm Operations Support Act; S.J.Res.25;/H.J.Res.59; (H.R. 2) Secure the Border Act of 2023; (H. R. 4319) Farm Workforce Modernization Act; (H. R. 4708) HIRE ACT; (S.3848/ H.R. 7046) Supporting Farm Operations Act; (S. 4056) Affordable and Secure Food Act; House Agriculture Committee Agricultural Labor Working Group

Client expense: $185,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE

2024 Farm Bill Feral Swine Pilot Program -USDA AIFS Funding H.R.7046 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 S.874 - Farm Operations Support Act S.3848 - Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 H.R. 1437: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 S. 3358: Black Vulture Relief Act of 2023 Crop Insurance solutions to recover from weather related loss.

Client expense: Not reported · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

Michigan Farm Bureau continues to advocate for a long-term solution to our agricultural workforce needs. We continue to communicate to Congress on the out-of-control growth in the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) and challenges with the H-2A visa program. We are also concerned with a few recent rules from the Biden Administration and shared those concerns with Congress. Michigan Farm Bureau communicated with Congress in opposition to the Department of Labors rule regarding the Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants (Employment and Training Administration, Department of Labor, Docket Number ETA-2021-0006). MFB is supporting a Congressional Resolution of Disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) in opposition to the final AEWR rule and is encouraging Members of Congress to support it. The rule neglects to account for the fact that farm job descriptions often include many different responsibilities not just one role as the rule assumes. MFB is also supporting H.R. 7046 and S. 3848 the Supporting Farm Operations Act. The bill would pause the AEWR at the 2023 level thru the end of 2025. MFB also supported a letter to Appropriators for pausing the AEWR in the FY224 Appropriations process. The letter was led by Rep. Bill Huizenga. MFB also communicated with Congress on the USCIS proposed rule to increase fees for the H-2A and H-2B visa programs. Specifically, USCIS proposes to raise filing fees for H-2A and H-2B petitions by 137% and 135%, respectively. In addition, USCIS proposes an additional $600 asylum fee per petition. Furthermore, by capping each petition at 25 workers, employers with a larger guest worker need, will incur these costs potentially multiple times over. MFB is very concerned with these proposed charges to farmers and has asked Congress to weigh in.

H.R. 2, Secure the Border Act of 2023 H.R. 16, American Dream and Promise Act of 2023 H.R. 29, Border Safety and Security Act of 2023 H.R. 163, Security First Act H.R. 319, Legal Workforce Act H.R. 489, Expedited Removal Codification Act of 2023 H.R. 575, Moving H-2A to United States Department of Agriculture Act of 2023 H.R. 614, Commercial Fishing and Seafood Business Act of 2023 H.R. 672, Border Security Investment Act H.R. 815, Removing Extraneous Loopholes Insuring Every Veteran Emergency (RELIEVE) Act H.R. 1325/S. 255, Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023 H.R. 1511, Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 H.R. 1535, Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023 H.R. 1760, To extend the admission to Guam or the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for certain nonimmigrant H-2B workers H.R. 1778, Better Agriculture Resources Now (BARN) Act H.R. 1787, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to provide nonimmigrant status to mobile entertainment workers, and for other purposes H.R. 2393, Combating Cartels on Social Media Act of 2023 H.R. 2758, Returning Worker Accountability Act of 2023 H.R. 2827/S. 1301, Partner with Korea Act H.R. 2882, Making Further Consolidated Appropriations for FY24 H.R. 2915, Farm Workforce Support Act of 2023 H.R. 3308/S. 874, Farm Operations Support Act H.R. 3442/S. 1667, Protecting Children of Long-Term Visa Holders Act of 2023 H.R. 3599, DIGNITY Act H.R. 3734, Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act H.R. 3808, Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023 H.R. 3911, Ukrainian Adjustment Act of 2023 H.R. 4048, Venezuelan Adjustment Act H.R. 4319, Farm Workforce Modernization Act of 2023 H.R. 4358, PHDs First Act H.R. 4367/S. 2625, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2024 H.R. 4448, Canadian Snowbird Visa Act H.R. 4627/S. 2327, Afghan Adjustment Act H.R. 4647, High-skilled Immigration Reform for Employment Act H.R. 4665/S. 2438, Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, H.R. 4708, H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act H.R. 4942 S. 665/, Conrad State 30 and Physician Access Reauthorization Act H.R. 5127, Visitor Visa Wait Time Reduction Act H.R. 5155, Temporary Family Visitation Act H.R. 5477/S. 2384, Keep STEM Talent Act of 2023 H.R. 5894/S. 2624, Making appropriations for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, and for other purposes. H.R. 5990, Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 H.R. 6205, Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act H.R. 6363, Further Continuing Appropriations and Other Extensions Act, 2024 H.R. 6542, Immigration Visa Efficiency and Security Act of 2023 H.R. 6904, Support Our Afghan Partners Act of 2023 H.R. 7046/S. 3848, Supporting Farm Operations Act of 2024 H.R. 7262, Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024 H.R. 7574, Closing the Workforce Gap Act of 2024 S. 156, Accountability Through Electronic Verification Act S. 207, Temporary Protected Status Reform and Integrity Act S. 243, A bill to require the Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to establish procedures for conducting maintenance projects at ports of entry at which the Office of Field Operations conducts certain enforcement and facilitation activities S. 255, Asylum Seeker Work Authorization Act of 2023 S. 365, Dream Act of 2023 S. 387, Canadian Snowbirds Act of 2023 S. 425, Secure and Protect Act of 2023 S. 505, Immigration Parole Reform Act of 2023 S. 979,H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act of 2023 S. 1253, Securing America's Ports of Entry Act of 2023 S. 1727, Safe Environment from Countries Under Repression and Emergency (SECURE) Act S. 1786, Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2023 S. 1926, A bill to amend the Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act to make Uruguay eligible for designation as a beneficiary country under that Act, to include Uruguay in the list of foreign states whose nationals are eligible for admission into the United States as E1 and E2 nonimmigrants if nationals of the United States are treated similarly by the Government of Uruguay, and to require a report on the eligibility of Uruguay for the visa waiver program, and for other purposes S. 2278, Border Enforcement, Security, and Trade (BEST) Facilitation Act of 2023 S. 2324, Ensuring American Security and Protecting Afghan Allies Act S. 2606, Renewing Immigration Provisions of the Immigration Act of 1929 S. 2632, Visa Processing Improvement Act S. 2705, State Executive Authority for Seasonal Occupations Needing Additional Labor (SEASONAL) Act S. 2719, Directing Our Countrys Transfer Of Residency Slots (DOCTORS) Act S. 2785, Higher Wages for American Workers Act of 2023 S. 3013, A bill to permanently authorize the exemption of aliens working as fish processors from the numerical limitation on H-2B nonimmigrant visas S. 3187, Southern Border Transparency Act of 2023 S. 3211, Healthcare Workforce Resilience Act S. 3255, Temporary Family Visitation Act S. 3291, EAGLE Act of 2023 H.J. Res 59/S. J. Res. 25, Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Department of Labor relating to "Adverse Effect Wage Rate Methodology for the Temporary Employment of H-2A Nonimmigrants in Non-Range Occupations in the United States" H. Res. 481, Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that BridgeUSA exchange programs are vital to the economy and national interests of the United States, and that Congress should prioritize robust support to ensure equitable opportunities for Americans and people from other countries Various issues relating to visa waiver program; H-1B Visa Program; H-1B registration rule; H-1B reform; H-2 Visa Program and temporary rule; H-2A Visa Program; H-4 rule; L-1 Visa Program; J-1 Bridge USA program; EB-5 Visa Program; E-Verify program; nonimmigrant workers in temporary or seasonal nonagricultural employment; Customs and Border Protection staffing at U.S. ports of entry; border security; immigration policy and reforms; guest worker programs; legalization concepts; visa reform; customs trade facilitation and enforcement; Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program; extension of temporary protected status (TPS) designations for El Salvador, Honduras, and Haiti; administrative-regulatory efforts related to public charge, notice to appear, H-4 & OPT; delays in H-4 and L-2 Status Extensions and Employment Authorization Documents (EADs); FY24 funding for Customs and Border Protection staffing; Office of Foreign Labor Certifications Planned Implementation of Form ETA-9089, Application for Permanent Employment Certification, into DOLs Foreign Labor Application Gateway (FLAG) System; high-skilled immigration; lesser skilled immigration; temporary agricultural guest workers; temporary non-agricultural guest workers; optional practical training program; asylum and refugee programs; size and administration of employment-based immigrant visa categories; size and administration of family-based immigrant visa categories; size and administration of employment-based nonimmigrant visa categories; expansion of the use of the E-Verify system; I-9 employment verification; interior enforcement; increased vetting of visa applicants; unfair immigration related employment practices; international travel; trusted traveler programs; biometric entry-exit; increasing the number of ICE officers, border patrol agents and Customs and Border Protection officers; aerial security enhancements; EB-5 Regional Center Program and the Implementation of the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022, (P.L. 117-103), Division BB; State Department policy extending consular interview waiver eligibility for various classifications of nonimmigrants; USCIS Fee Schedule; regulatory proposals that would restrict applicant eligibility for the H-1B program; regulatory proposals that would drastically change how prevailing wage levels are determined for the purposes of obtaining certain employment-based nonimmigrant and immigrant visas; proposals that would significantly change how cap-subject H-1B petitions will be chosen in the future; regulatory proposals that would change how the period of admission for student visa holders and exchange visa holders is determined; regulatory proposals that will temporarily raise the annual quota for H-2B visas; regulatory proposals reopening and expanding consular operations; recapturing unused immigrant visas from prior years; creating exemptions to the current immigrant visa caps; proposals that would expand consular interview waivers for prospective immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants abroad; proposals that would provide relief for Afghan nationals; reinstitution of stateside visa revalidation services; implementation of electronic visa foils in passports; consular service delays; USCIS processing delays; DOL processing delays; Visa relief for long term foreign national workers laid off by their employers while waiting for their green cards in the immigrant visa backlogs; improving wait times for CBP Processing at Ports of Entry; expanding and implementing new CBP preclearance facilities abroad; reforms to the use of parole authority; extending the validity period for employment authorization documents; instituting a second FY24 H-1B lottery to insure usage of all cap-subject H-1B visas; reforms to the State Departments Visa Bulletin; implementation of the new optional I-9 document verification procedures; expanded mandatory detention of unauthorized aliens in the U.S.; expansion of expulsion/removal authorities; changes to the legal standard for credible fear interviews for asylum applicants; modifying asylum eligibility requirements; expanding availability of special immigrant visas for Afghan nationals

H.R. 7046/S. 3848; The Supporting Farm Operations Act - INFB is supportive of H.R. 7046 and S. 3848, the Supporting Farm Operations Act. This legislation would freeze the H-2A Adverse Effect Wage Rates (AEWRs) at 2023 levels for two years. Additionally, it would direct the Department of Labor to utilize a primary duties test for H-2A employees performing more than one duty or task. Our members rely on H-2A labor and these reforms would greatly benefit farmers that utilize the program.

Client expense: $70,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

General Immigration Reform The Average Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) continues to financially burden agricultural producers who utilize the H-2A Temporary Agriculture Worker program (H2-A program). HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act H-2A Legislative Reforms TN visa regulatory reforms

Client expense: $80,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE

HR 4708 H-2 Improvements to Relieve Employers (HIRE) Act (H-2A, H-2B streamlining provisions) Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program (FLSP) H.R. 7046/S. 3848 Supporting Farm Operations Act

Client expense: $340,000 · Firm income: Not reported

Government targets: Agriculture, Dept of (USDA), HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Labor, Dept of (DOL), SENATE