Howard Berman: “The gentleman cuts off the growers' obligation to recruit U.S. workers 20 days before the season even begins. By…”

“The gentleman cuts off the growers' obligation to recruit U.S. workers 20 days before the season even begins. By eliminating the obligation to hire U.S. workers 20 days before the start of the growing season, and we do not need to be doing that, we are wiping out, in effect, the priority for U.S. workers. That is the problem I have. Under the existing situation, that priority still exists. The Department of Labor certifies whether or not there will be a need, but if U.S. workers show up, U.S. workers have priority. I think U.S. workers should have priority in these kinds of programs. In addition, Mr. Chairman, the fundamental change the gentleman is making, right now they have to provide housing for farmworkers. By giving this allowance, the gentleman knocks out the housing requirement.”