WASHINGTON, D.C.— Nebraska's U.S. House delegation is divided over the Republican-backed Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, which would grant temporary legal status through the H-2A visa program to undocumented agricultural workers already in the U.S. who meet work history requirements, while expanding the guest worker program for year-round agricultural operations. Rep. Don Bacon continues to support the bill, arguing it addresses critical labor shortages without providing a pathway to citizenship, while Reps. Mike Flood and Adrian Smith oppose the legislation over concerns that it could reward illegal immigration.

Flood announced he will withdraw as a cosponsor when the House returns to session, citing concerns raised by Nebraska farmers, ranchers, and conservative leaders. Smith also said he cannot support the bill in its current form because it allows individuals who entered the country illegally to apply for legal work status. Bacon defended the legislation as a long-overdue update to the agricultural workforce system, maintaining that it strengthens legal oversight while helping address labor shortages facing producers.

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