USCCB - (SDWP) - Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003

As you know the Catholic bishops support the AgJobs bill and current efforts to attach it to other legislation. An attempt made to attach it to Defense Appropriations failed. Next, procedural obstacles prevented Senators Larry Craig (R-ID) and Edward Kennedy (D-MA) from offering the Agricultural Job, Opportunity, Benefit, and Security Act “AgJOBS” (S. 1645/ H.R. 3142) in the Senate as an amendment to the Class Action legislation immediately after the July 4th recess.

With 62 cosponsors, including 26 Republicans, AgJOBS likely will be approved if it came to vote. The White House needs to be persuaded to instruct Senate Republican leaders to allow a vote on AgJobs.

Background: The Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act of 2003 (AgJOBS) represents a bipartisan initiative sponsored by 62 Senators, including lead sponsors Edward M. Kennedy (D-MA) and Larry Craig (R-ID), and 103 Representatives, including lead sponsors Chris Cannon (R-UT) and Howard Berman (D-CA).

AgJOBS would allow legalization opportunities for undocumented farm workers, protect worker’s labor rights, and provide recourse for farm workers whose labor rights have been violated. The bill would also make substantive changes in the current H-2A agricultural program. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops has endorsed AgJOBS. Passage of the bill in the Senate by a large majority would create strong momentum for the House to approve AgJOBS, despite some House opposition.

How You Can Help: Please join in this effort to persuade the President to instruct Senate leadership to allow a vote on the bill. Also, Members of Congress will be on extended recess for the conventions. Use this opportunity to make the case for the passage of the AgJobs bill. For more information, go to /sdwp/national/agric.shtml.

Email us at JPHDmail@usccb.org