118 HRES 587 IH: Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 25 through March 31, 2024, as “National Farmworker Awareness Week”. U.S. House of Representatives 2023-07-13 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

IV 118th CONGRESS 1st Session H. RES. 587 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES July 13, 2023 Ms. Lofgren submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Agriculture RESOLUTION Expressing support for the designation of the week of March 25 through March 31, 2024, as National Farmworker Awareness Week.

Whereas farmworkers are essential workers; Whereas farmworkers provide invaluable and needed goods and services; Whereas farmworkers are important and valued members of communities across the country; Whereas farm work is often highly skilled, including operating complex machinery; Whereas the Department of Agriculture estimates that agricultural and food employment accounts for 10 percent of employment in the United States; Whereas farmworkers are at an increased risk of experiencing unsafe working conditions, including exposure to pesticides and extreme weather conditions, especially high heat; Whereas farmworkers often have to wear long sleeves to protect themselves from pesticides, even during high heat; Whereas the rate of illness and injury among agricultural employees is 37 times higher than the rate for nonagricultural workers; Whereas farmworkers do not enjoy many labor protections enjoyed by other workers; Whereas natural disasters often prevent farmworkers from receiving income for weeks or months; Whereas, despite the above challenges, farmworkers have ensured a reliable food supply for the country, including during the COVID–19 pandemic; Whereas a week of appreciation will help younger generations learn where their food comes from; Whereas the Department of Labor and the Environmental Protection Agency have celebrated farmworkers during National Farmworker Awareness Week; Whereas National Farmworker Awareness Week recognizes the contributions of farmworkers who work in fields, packing, sorting, processing, and other related activities and the issues they face; and Whereas the week of March 25 through March 31 is generally recognized as National Farmworker Awareness Week: Now, therefore, be it

That the House of Representatives— (1)supports the designation of National Farmworker Awareness Week; (2)recognizes the challenging conditions in which farmworkers work; and (3)commends the significant contributions of farmworkers to our country.