Saxby Chambliss: “I introduce the Temporary Agriculture Work Reform Act of 2004. American farmers are the most efficient farmers in the…”

“I introduce the Temporary Agriculture Work Reform Act of 2004. American farmers are the most efficient farmers in the world. Technologies have allowed farmers to produce higher quality products while increasing yields, and at the same time, reducing pesticide use. I applaud our farmers for their important role in our Nation's economy. One obstacle that agriculture producers continually grapple with is labor. For many years, migrant workers have been the main source of labor for agriculture. In fact, today migrant workers make up about 56 percent of farm labor. A key issue for our American producers is having an efficient program to provide an agriculture workforce. Reforms to the H2A program are warranted and needed. The program should be user-friendly for both growers and workers with less bureaucratic hassle. The program should operate in such a way to ensure that American producers can have their crops harvested in a timely fashion and that willing workers can get access to job opportunities. We need a program that is easy to use and provides a stable, reliable workforce for America's farmers. My guest worker legislation reforms the cumbersome and uncompetitive aspects of the H2A temporary agriculture worker program--without providing amnesty to illegal aliens in the U.S. The bill gives farmers and workers a more functional program by simplifying the application process, providing a prevailing wage rate, and ensuring U.S. workers are not displaced.”