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Updates (as of July 3, 2026)

NCAE News, Legal/Technical & Other Employer Issues

NCAE Applauds Introduction of Bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) by Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson

After months of work, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson released his much anticipated H-2A reform legislation, the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA).

This legislation is the direct result of engagement by NCAE members, and our allies across agriculture, who joined together to fight for these long overdue reforms to make the H-2A more affordable, accessible and streamlined to meet the needs of American farmers. The unified front that Agriculture has shown on this legislation is unprecedented, and gives us the best opportunity for success that we have seen in recent years.

Legislative Actions

Bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (SAWA) Introduced

House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15) introduced H.R. 9535, the bipartisan Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026. This legislation makes key improvements to the accessibility and cost of agricultural labor through the H-2A visa program.

Regulatory News

President Trump Nominates Acting Secretary Sonderling to be Secretary of Labor

In what can only be described as fantastic news for NCAE and agriculture as a whole, President Trump nominated Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling to be the Secretary of Labor. Acting Secretary Sonderling has played a pivotal role in every critical decision that the Department has made to improve the H-2A visa program, and other DOL programs that farm employers utilize. NCAE will be helping to organize efforts to seek Senate support for his nomination.

Legal Actions

Supreme Court Rules to Continue Birthright Citizenship

The U.S. The Supreme Court ruled 6–3 that federal courts generally lack authority to issue broad nationwide injunctions that block federal policies related to birthright citizenship, limiting such relief to the parties before the court. The case arose from challenges to President Trump’s executive order restricting birthright citizenship. Importantly, the Court did not decide whether the executive order itself is constitutional or whether birthright citizenship is protected in the circumstances at issue. Instead, the decision focused on the scope of judicial power and left the underlying citizenship question to continue being litigated in lower courts.

Political Updates

Senator Michael Bennet Loses Primary Election, Will Stay in Senate

Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO), the author of the 2022 Affordable & Secure Food Act which sought comprehensive agricultural labor reform, was defeated by the Colorado State Attorney General Phil Weiser in a primary campaign to be the state’s next governor. Senator Bennet will remain in the Senate where he is likely to play a significant role in both current, and future, agricultural labor reform efforts.

News Articles of Interest This Week

Thompson bill includes legal employment pathway for undocumented farm workers

Thompson unveils new ag labor reform bill

Thompson introduces H-2A reform bill to speed labor access and expand farm workforce eligibility

Thompson Introduces Bipartisan Agricultural Labor Reform Bill

House Agriculture Chair Introduces Controversial Farm Labor Bill

Thompson to release ag immigration bill Tuesday, groups take sides

H-2A Reforms Get Fresh Look in Congress

Thompson bill includes legal employment pathway for undocumented farm workers

H-2A Reform Bill Targets Year-Round Farm Labor Needs

New House Bill Draft Paves the Way for Year-Round H-2A Access for Mushroom and Indoor Growers

Trump opens US dairy farms to migrant workers through H-2A visa route

Farm labor shortage bad for business, animals

What To Know About the Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act

House ag chair introduces new bill to make reforms to H2-A program

White House defends migrant labor memo amid widening GOP rift

Sweeping Farm Labor Bill to Overhaul H-2A Program Introduced by House Ag Chair GT Thompsont

Demystifying Produce Prices Across the Supply Chain

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