H-2B Update – House Makes Progress, Senate Falls Short
Published on July 10, 2025
Steady Workers Mean Steady Business—Here’s Where We Stand
If your business depends on seasonal help through the H-2B visa program, there’s some promising news coming out of the U.S. House—but still roadblocks in the Senate.
In late June, lawmakers in the House advanced an important amendment to the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. This amendment would allow long-time users of the H-2B program—employers who’ve participated in any of the last five years—to bring in the same number of workers again, without counting against the annual federal cap.
This would give law-abiding employers more predictability, reduce lottery risk, and help protect your business from labor disruptions.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate didn’t include any H-2B reform in H.R. 1, the sweeping legislation recently signed into law. A proposal to create a “Certified Seasonal Employer” designation was removed late in the process after stalling over disagreements with the White House.
What’s Next:
In late June, lawmakers in the House advanced an important amendment to the FY26 Homeland Security Appropriations bill. This amendment would allow long-time users of the H-2B program—employers who’ve participated in any of the last five years—to bring in the same number of workers again, without counting against the annual federal cap.
This would give law-abiding employers more predictability, reduce lottery risk, and help protect your business from labor disruptions.
Unfortunately, the U.S. Senate didn’t include any H-2B reform in H.R. 1, the sweeping legislation recently signed into law. A proposal to create a “Certified Seasonal Employer” designation was removed late in the process after stalling over disagreements with the White House.
What’s Next:
- All eyes are now on the final version of the FY26 Homeland Security bill.
- TNLA is actively working with Rep. Andy Harris (R-MD) and key House committees to ensure H-2B protections stay in.
- We’re also continuing to push the White House to support workforce solutions for Texas growers, landscapers, and suppliers.