Senate Concurrent Resolution No. by Senator Wheat calls on the United States Congress to modify the H-2A nonimmigrant visa program to alleviate the financial burdens faced by Louisiana farmers due to rising wage rates. The resolution highlights that the current Adverse Effect Wage Rate (AEWR) system, enforced by the U.S. Department of Labor, has led to significant increases in labor costs, which threaten the viability of agricultural operations in the state. The resolution emphasizes the importance of affordable agricultural labor for the sustainability and competitiveness of U.S. agriculture and calls for a reassessment of wage obligations based on the Farm Labor Survey to ensure that farmers can maintain their workforce without incurring unsustainable costs.

The resolution further requests that Congress rescind the current AEWR and pause wages for H-2A workers at January 2023 levels, as well as mandate that all wage obligations for H-2A employees be derived solely from the Farm Labor Survey. By addressing these issues, the resolution aims to support Louisiana's agricultural sector and ensure that farmers can access a reliable and affordable labor force, ultimately contributing to the stability of the agricultural economy in the state. A copy of the resolution will be sent to relevant congressional leaders and members of the Louisiana congressional delegation.