Simpson Delivers for Idaho AG - Legal Workforce and Free Trade

Idaho Congressman Passes Ag Immigration Bill and Strongly Supports USMCA

With the nonstop, everchanging news on impeachment and Democrat primaries, it is easy to think that Congress isn’t doing anything else. That is simply not true. Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has been working relentlessly on a solution for our broken immigration system that meets the needs of Idaho agriculture while joining over 150 Republican Congressmen demanding a vote on USMCA before the end of the year.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 5038, the Farm Workforce Modernization Act with a final bipartisan vote of 260-165 last Wednesday. This bill addresses the desperate need for a legal workforce in the ag industry and is the first step in addressing illegal immigration through strong enforcement measures such as E-verify.

“Idaho farmers and ranchers feed the world and their greatest needs are a legal workforce and free trade, and this week we made tremendous progress on both issues,” said Simpson. “Passage of H.R. 5038 is a giant step in the right direction for our ag industry and their need for a legal workforce through addressing unpredictable wages, while expanding the H-2A Visa program to allow for the year-round workers Idaho dairies need. It will also eliminate onerous red tape from the federal government by streamlining the H2A process.”

To watch Congressman Simpson’s floor speech, click here.

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act would enact reforms to the immigration system that will stabilize wages, enact national security checks and criminal grounds of inadmissibility, alleviate labor shortages for producers facing year-round needs, and streamlines the H-2A temporary visa program.

The Farm Workforce Modernization Act does not enact amnesty. This legislation provides significant discretion to Homeland Security to deny status to any applicant if there is reason to believe the applicant is dangerous or otherwise undeserving. This bill also prohibits Certified Agriculture Workers (CAW) from receiving social safety net programs and if a CAW worker would like to seek further legal status they must pay a fine of $1,000 to start the process. These reforms, coupled with the implementation of E-Verify, will ensure agriculture has a legal source of workers and discourages future illegal immigration. President Trump called for merit- and employment-based immigration since his election, this bill does exactly that.

The bill also has wide support from the agriculture and business community. In November, over 300 agriculture groups sent a letter to House Leadership urging support and passage of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act. Over 40 of those groups are from Idaho. The bill also has support from U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Americans for Prosperity, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and the CATO Institute estimates H.R. 5038 would have reduced labor expenses for farmers by $324 million in 2019 if it were law.

On Monday, Simpson joined a majority of the Republican caucus, encouraging, urging and demanding that Speaker Pelosi bring the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) to the House floor for a vote. Nearly every agriculture group in America has called on Congress to pass USMCA, which significantly improves trade relations with our two largest trading partners that together purchase about one-third of all U.S. agricultural exports. 

“Our farmers and ranchers can’t wait any longer for this trade deal to be signed. President Trump struck this deal over a year ago, and our farmers and ranchers in Idaho need truly free and fair trade to compete in a global marketplace and this deal does just that,” said Simpson.

Under USMCA, U.S. agricultural exports alone are expected to increase by more than $2 billion annually, helping to build on the 325,000 American jobs that are already reliant on our nation’s exports to Mexico and Canada.

“Idaho Farmers must have two things to continue to lead the nation in agriculture, a legal workforce and free trade. This week we made huge strides on both, and I’m proud to be part of substantial solutions to these issues and to represent Idaho agriculture,” said Simpson.

Simpson Supports Pay Raise for Military

After months of negotiations with the Senate, the House of Representatives passed the Conference Report to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  This annual legislation authorizes programs at the Department of Defense (DoD) and certain elements within the Department of Energy.

“At a time of partisanship and distractions in Congress, I am pleased that members continue to recognize the importance of defense programs authorized by the NDAA,” said Simpson.  “Our troops work tirelessly each and every day to promote global security and protect the American way of life, and I am proud to support a bill that supports them.”

The FY 2020 NDAA is comprehensive legislation that includes wins for our troops and bolsters DoD capabilities.  Highlights include:

• Authorization for $738 billion in DoD programs to increase readiness and rebuild our military;

• A 3.1% pay-raise for members of the military;

• An additional $5.3 billion in emergency funding for military installations damaged by natural disasters;

• A three-year phased repeal of the “Widow’s Tax,” and;

• Rejects restrictions on the president’s authorities to secure our borders.

The conference report passed with a bipartisan vote of 377-48 and will now head to the President’s desk for signature.

Simpson Responds to Articles of Impeachment

Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson issued the following statement in response to House Democrats moving forward on Articles of Impeachment:

“I have always advocated for the institution of Congress, for our Constitution and what it stands for. When Republicans held the majority, I advocated for the rights of the minority to be heard. I’ve pushed for open rules during consideration of legislation and I’ve always demanded fairness. Today is a dark day for our country. Impeachment is to be used to remove a President for committing a crime, not for political gain, and certainly not to protest election results. My colleagues on the other side of the aisle know this full well, and yet, in an insult to the American people, they persist in their charade. Speaker Pelosi and her caucus have sought the impeachment of President Trump since before he was sworn into office; to them, impeachment is a forgone conclusion. Thankfully, President Trump’s efforts have safeguarded the economy despite Democrats’ relentless tactics, but one can’t help but imagine where we would be if Congress could work on the real issues our country faces: immigration, trade, and funding the government to name a few. We have real work to do and this madness should come to an end.”

Simpson, House Republicans Demand Vote on USMCA

While most of the world was watching the theatrical impeachment hearing in the House, Republicans were at work. On Monday, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson joined 159 Republicans sending Speaker Nancy Pelosi a letter urging her to immediately consider and pass the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). The letter expands on the importance of the trade deal to the agriculture industry which notably supports Idaho industries like dairy, potatoes, grain, and cattle.

“It is long past time to pass USMCA. President Trump struck this deal 375 days ago and our farmers and ranchers in Idaho need truly free and fair trade,” said Simpson. “That is what this deal delivers, and I look forward to supporting it if Speaker Pelosi will allow a vote on this important trade agreement that will help Idaho.”

The text of the letter follows:

Dear Speaker Pelosi:

The undersigned Republican Members strongly urge you to ensure that the House of Representatives takes up and passes the U.S.-Mexico-Canada (USMCA) trade agreement this year. 

With just two weeks remaining, the House has so far squandered the first session of the 116th Congress.

Rather than working together to pass bipartisan measures that could be signed into law, House Democrats have instead obsessed over a partisan impeachment process of which the sole purpose is to overturn the decision of voters in the 2016 election.  The little remaining time has largely been consumed by passing partisan messaging bills that have no chance of enactment, even in the case where common ground could easily have been found.

Thankfully, it is not too late for House Democrats to do the right thing.  For starters, the House should finally stop dithering on USMCA and pass this critically important trade agreement.

Nearly every agriculture group in America has called on Congress to pass USMCA, which significantly improves trade relations with our two largest trading partners that together purchase about one-third of all U.S. agricultural exports.  Under USMCA, U.S. agricultural exports alone are expected to increase by more than $2 billion annually, helping to build on the 325,000 American jobs that are already reliant on our nation’s exports to Mexico and Canada.

Significant new market access for U.S. dairy, chicken, eggs, and turkey producers is expected under the agreement while strides are also made in favor of our wheat farmers.  These and other improvements will greatly benefit U.S. farmers and ranchers who are struggling under the weight of a recession that began in late 2014.

Expanding U.S. agriculture exports through truly free and fair trade agreements will help put American agriculture back on its feet.

Mexico is already our corn growers’ number one customer, while Canada and Mexico buy close to half of our pork products.  And beef sales to our immediate neighbors are estimated to add about $70 per head to the bottom line of U.S. cattlemen.  Under USMCA, the United States has a real opportunity to expand on these successes at a time when U.S. farmers and ranchers and rural America need help the most.

USMCA already contains the strongest labor provisions of any trade agreement considered by the U.S. to date, and the Trump Administration has worked diligently and in good faith to address these issues because the President is absolutely focused on ensuring a level playing field for all U.S. workers.

Passing USMCA is a chance for the House to chalk up one critically important victory for the American people, and we urge you to seize this opportunity.

Floor Schedule

MONDAY, DECEMBER 16TH
On Monday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. No votes are expected in the House on Monday.

Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:

1) H.R. 4920 - Department of Veterans Affairs Contracting Preference Consistency Act (Sponsored by Rep. Mark Takano / Veterans' Affairs Committee)

2) H.R. 4183 - Identifying Barriers and Best Practices Study Act (Sponsored by Rep. Ro Khanna / Veterans' Affairs Committee)

3) H.R. 3530 - Improving Confidence in Veterans' Care Act (Sponsored by Rep. Michael Cloud / Veterans' Affairs Committee)

4) H.R. 2726 - Banning Smoking on Amtrak Act of 2019 (Sponsored by Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

5) H.R. 2548 - HELP ACT, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Lizzie Fletcher / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

6) H.R. 4719 - FISH SAFE Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jared Golden / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

7) H.R. 3362 - Small Airport Mothers’ Room Act of 2019, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Carol Miller / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)

8) H.R. 4998 - Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Frank Pallone / Energy and Commerce Committee)

9) H.R. 4779 - To extend Undertaking Spam, Spyware, And Fraud Enforcement With Enforcers beyond Borders Act of 2006 (Sponsored by Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers / Energy and Commerce Committee)

10) H.R. 4229 - Broadband DATA Act (Sponsored by Rep. Dave Loebsack / Energy and Commerce Committee)

11) H.R. 4227 - MAPS Act (Sponsored by Rep. Donald McEachin / Energy and Commerce Committee)

12) H.R. 2647 - SOFFA, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Doris Matsui / Energy and Commerce Committee)

13) H.R. 3172 - Safe Sleep for Babies Act of 2019, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Tony Cárdenas / Energy and Commerce Committee)

14) H.R. 150 - GREAT Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Virginia Foxx / Oversight and Reform Committee)

15) S. 216 - Spokane Tribe of Indians of the Spokane Reservation Equitable Compensation Act (Sponsored by Sen. Maria Cantwell / Natural Resources Committee)

16) H.R. 722 - Miracle Mountain Designation Act (Sponsored by Rep. John Curtis / Natural Resources Committee)

17) S. 50 - Columbia River In-Lieu and Treaty Fishing Access Sites Improvement Act (Sponsored by Sen. Jeff Merkley / Natural Resources Committee)

18) H.R. 453 - Eastern Band of Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act (Sponsored by Rep. Chuck Fleischmann / Natural Resources Committee)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17TH AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. First votes of the week on Tuesday are expected at 10:00 a.m. 

Legislation Providing Further Appropriations for FY20

H.Res. 755 - Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Nadler / Judiciary Committee)

H.R. 5430 - United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement Implementation Act (Sponsored by Rep. Steny Hoyer / Ways and Means Committee)

Possible Consideration of H.R. 5377 - Restoring Tax Fairness for States and Localities Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Tom Suozzi / Ways and Means Committee)

Additional Legislative Items Are Possible 

Simpson-backed farm worker bill passes House with bipartisan support

By Betsy Russell, Post Register, December 11, 2019

Major immigration legislation dealing with the nation’s farm workforce that Idaho GOP Rep. Mike Simpson has championed passed the House late Wednesday on a bipartisan, 260-165 vote.

“We’re here today addressing agriculture’s No. 1 issue, their No. 1 issue, and that’s their labor force,” Simpson told the House in a fiery floor speech. “Agriculture is the backbone of Idaho’s economy, and without this bill, how can we pretend to say that we care about rural America?”

The bill was spearheaded by a bipartisan group of a half-dozen House members, headed by Reps. Zoe Lofgren, D-Calif; Dan Newhouse, R-Wash.; and Simpson. It was backed by more than 300 agriculture groups, along with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other business groups. Idaho’s other House member, 1st District Rep. Russ Fulcher, voted in favor of the bill, dubbed the Farm Workforce Modernization Act.

Simpson said critics who decried the bill as “amnesty and indentured servitude” were off the mark.

“Let me tell you what this bill does,” he told the House. “It legalizes the current workforce, as long as you get right with the law and have a clean criminal record,” and can demonstrate specified work experience. “If you want to access further legal status, you work four to eight years in agriculture, then pay a fine and get in line while you continue to work in agriculture. That doesn’t sound like amnesty to me.”

The bill also requires use of the “e-verify” system to verify agricultural workers’ legal status; streamlines the H2A visa program for all agricultural workers, including expanding it to cover year-round workers as sought by Idaho’s dairy industry; includes measures designed to stabilize wages; and enacts national security checks and criminal grounds of inadmissibility.

Simpson said in a news release, “This legislation provides significant discretion to Homeland Security to deny status to any applicant if there is reason to believe the applicant is dangerous or otherwise undeserving.” He said the bill “will ensure agriculture has a legal source of workers and discourages future illegal immigration,” adding, “President Trump called for merit- and employment-based immigration since his election — this bill does exactly that.”

Bipartisan efforts already are underway on similar legislation in the Senate.

Simpson noted that the House passage came on the same day that support swelled in Washington for the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Idaho Gov. Brad Little is among those who have been speaking out strongly in favor of the trade agreement.

“Idaho farmers must have two things to continue to lead the nation in agriculture, a legal workforce and free trade,” Simpson said in his release. “This week we made huge strides on both, and I’m proud to be part of substantial solutions to these issues and to represent Idaho agriculture.”

To share comments, opinions, or questions with Congressman Simpson, please visit http://www.house.gov/simpson/emailme.shtml.

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