Political Quotes

“I do not support the overall Senate legislation as it is drafted. On this particular matter, I agree with Chairman Leahy that logging employment would be covered in the definition of ``agricultural employment'' for purposes of the new W agricultural visa program. Those workers that previously had access to the H-2A program should have access to the new W agricultural visa program. Ms. COLLINS: I thank my colleagues for this clarification. This will maintain the status quo by allowing loggers, who currently enter the United States under the H-2A program, to enter the United States under the new W agricultural visa program. A reliable supply of labor, when American workers are not available, is critical for downstream industries such as paper mills in Maine. I now wish to speak on an issue of significant importance to the forest products industry in Maine. The immigration bill before the Senate contains an ambiguity related to the definition of ``agricultural employment'' for purposes of the new W agriculture visa program. Currently, logging employment is included in the H-2A visa program, pursuant to a rule adopted by the Department of Labor in 2008. The new W agricultural visa program will replace the H-2A visa program. Therefore, I wanted to make sure the logging workers who are currently eligible for the H-2A visa will be eligible for the new W agricultural visa program. My constituents are not asking for a carve-out or special favor.…”