Issue Updates
Friday, 16 August 2019 09:53
FRA Issue Update - 8/16/19
On August 12, the Department of Interior (DOI) released a final rule that provides changes to the Endangered Species Act. The proposed changes include the adoption of a 4(d) rule for species listed as threatened...
Friday, 09 August 2019 12:07
FRA Issue Update - 8/9/19
As previously reported in past Issue Updates, the Department of Labor has proposed a rule that would move forestry services from the H-2B to the uncapped H-2A non-immigrant worker visa program. FRA is currently reviewing the 489-page document.
Monday, 05 August 2019 08:02
FRA Issue Update - 8/2/19
This week the Senate Environment and Public Works (EPW) Committee unveiled and subsequently marked up a comprehensive transportation reauthorization bill. The legislation, S. 2302 (America’s Transportation Infrastructure Act of 2019), was reported out of committee by a unanimous vote.
Monday, 22 July 2019 07:27
FRA Issue Update - 7/19/19
On July 16, the Department of Labor (DOL) posted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to solicit public comment on proposed changes to the H-2A guestworker visa program.
Monday, 15 July 2019 07:16
FRA Issue Update - 7/12/19
Today Ross Spano (FL-15) signed on as a cosponsor to the Safe Routes Act. Along with Spano the bill now has three members of the Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) Committee supporting the legislation introduced by Congressman Gallagher (WI-8). With three members of the T&I members sponsoring, the Safe Routes Act is gaining momentum.
Tuesday, 09 July 2019 05:45
FRA Issue Update 7/2/19
A good deal of activity is occurring around the H-2B visa program this Congress. FRA has been active on several fronts which include working for H-2B temporary (FY2020) and permanent cap relief. Below is an overview of what actions are taking place.
Friday, 28 June 2019 11:48
FRA Issue Update - 6/28/19
On June 25, the House passed an appropriations bill (H.R. 3055) that includes funding for the U.S. Forest Service. The spending package titled as H.R. 3055 – Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2020 passed primarily along party lines by a margin of...
Friday, 21 June 2019 11:44
FRA Issue Update - 6/21/19
On June 20, the House of Representatives passed a Fiscal Year 2020 spending package that includes funding for the Department of Labor. The bill would allow for H-2B visas to be allocated proportionally on a quarterly basis, as opposed to the current semi-annual process.
Friday, 14 June 2019 12:27
FRA Issue Update - 6/14/19
On Wednesday, June 12, the House Transportation Subcommittee on Highways and Transit held a hearing to discuss the state of trucking in America. Transportation Committee Chair Congressman DeFazio, in his opening comments, stated that the trucking industry is at a tipping point.
Tuesday, 28 May 2019 08:00
FRA Issue Update - 5/24/19
This week, Senators Ron Wyden (D-OR), Jim Risch (R-ID), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Angus King (I-ME) and Jeff Merkley (D-OR) introduced legislation that amends the federal Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to qualify a broader universe of forest-based biomass that is currently excluded from the mandate.