Lawmakers press Labor secretary to address H‑2A wage increases that lawmakers say threaten family farms

Members of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education pressed Secretary of Labor Chavez de Remer about rising H‑2A adverse effect wage rates and the cost pressures facing family farms.

Chairman Robert Aderholt told the secretary that "many family farms and specialty crop growers are at risk of being forced to close" because of higher AEWRs and asked for the department's commitment to address the issue. Aderholt asked the secretary to work with members of Congress and with USDA to find solutions for agricultural employers.

Secretary Chavez de Remer responded that she is "absolutely" willing to work with members, other departments and stakeholders. She noted the Department of Labor had received nearly 19,000 H‑2A applications — a roughly 9% increase in workload — and said the department is sensitive to farmer concerns. "I am committed to working with you and Secretary Rollins to solve this issue," she said, while adding that specific changes to wage rules are the subject of litigation and limit what she could discuss publicly.

Other members raised related visa concerns. Representative Lisa Molinaro (Michigan) and Representative John Clyde (Alabama) described the program's local consequences, including the H‑2B cap and seasonal workforce uncertainty in tourism and fairground work. Several lawmakers urged short-term fixes, including legislative pauses on wage increases to give farms breathing room while agencies review longer-term policy.

What was decided: No formal decision was made. Secretary Chavez de Remer pledged continuing engagement with members, USDA and other agencies and asked her team to provide dedicated assistance to members and states seeking help navigating H‑2A processes. She emphasized streamlining application processes and improving access to program navigation for employers.

The hearing record contains no final rule or enforcement action; at several points the secretary said litigation prevents her from commenting on pending AEWR legal matters.