Agricultural Temporary Workers

Floor Speech

AGRICULTURAL TEMPORARY WORKERS -- (Senate - May 06, 2008)

Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, every spring season brings many demands on the time of farmers and ranchers in my home State of Wyoming.

They are busy tending to their livestock, newly born calves and lambs, and planting their crops. Many of them rely on the H-2A program to find seasonal and temporary skilled workers to assist them in their time-honored work.

This program is vital to Wyoming's agricultural industry. That is why I joined my friend Senator Enzi in asking the Department of Labor to extend the public comment period on its proposed rule changes to the program.

Many Wyoming employers have not had an opportunity to fully review the proposed changes. I recognize that improvement in the program is needed. We must improve its efficiency for both workers and employers.

Recently, there was a very thoughtful editorial which was printed in the Wyoming Livestock Roundup on April 12.

The editorial was written by Bryce Reece. Bryce is the executive vice-president of the Wyoming Woolgrowers Association and I believe he does a terrific job of summing up the feelings of all Wyoming farmers and ranchers.

I recommend it to my colleagues and ask that it be printed in the Record.

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