AgSec Vilsack, saying “there is no question the opportunity for immigration reform is now,” urged House Republican leaders to “pass something so you create a vehicle” for a House-Senate compromise. During a teleconference, Vilsack told reporters a small and shrinking minority was holding up action on the issue.
“There is no excuse” for the House not to act, said Vilsack. “The number of days left in this congressional session are limited.” House Republicans say they want to deal with immigration piece by piece rather than in an omnibus bill as the Senate did a year ago. Vilsack said House action would set the parameters of debate for a reform package. The administration and allies are keeping pressure on the Republican-controlled House to act.
Apple grower Phil Glaize of Winchester, Va, said, “For the past three years in a row, we have been unable to find the 115 workers we need” to pick apples at peak ripeness on his 550-ac orchard. If picked a few days early or a few days late, the fruit is not as valuable. With labor hard to find, Glaize said he doesn’t expand operations and does not replace older trees as quickly.