Polk Times

Rep. Scott Franklin from Florida has taken a stand against the Biden Department of Labor's new H-2A unionization rule. In a statement, Rep. Franklin expressed his concerns about the potential negative impact of the rule on the agricultural industry, stating, "This new DOL rule is the latest crippling regulation hoisted on Florida growers by the Biden Administration."

Mike Joyner, President of the Florida Fruit & Vegetable Association, also criticized the new rule, highlighting the strong relationships that growers have with their employees and the potential threat to the industry's sustainability. He emphasized the importance of engaging with industry stakeholders to optimize the H-2A program.

Matt Joyner, CEO of Florida Citrus Mutual, echoed these sentiments, pointing out the challenges faced by Florida's citrus industry and thanking Rep. Franklin for his leadership on the issue. He emphasized the need to promote resiliency in the face of various threats to the industry.

The finalized rule, titled "Improving Protections for Workers in Temporary Agricultural Employment in the United States," has been met with criticism for creating loopholes that could lead to fraud and abuse, as well as increasing operating and compliance costs for agricultural producers.

Rep. Franklin's legislation aims to rescind the DOL's policy using the Congressional Review Act, a special legislative procedure that allows Congress to overturn executive or agency actions. The legislation also prohibits the agency from similar rulemaking in the future.

Florida, being the state with the highest number of temporary agricultural H-2A employees, stands to be significantly impacted by the new rule. The legislation has garnered support from several cosponsors and endorsing organizations, including the American Farm Bureau Federation and various Florida agricultural associations.

For more information, the original article can be found at: [Franklin Acts to Block New Overreaching Biden Agricultural Labor Regulations](https://franklin.house.gov/2024/5/franklin-acts-to-block-new-overreaching-biden-agricultural-labor-regulations)