[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 40 (Friday, March 6, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E582-E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  EXTEND CERTAIN IMMIGRATION PROGRAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 4, 2009

  Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to 
H.R. 1127. I oppose

[[Page E583]]

this legislation, not due to a lack of merit, but because many members 
of this body have sought relief for an equally vital visa issue--the H-
2B Visa program.
  The H-2B Visa program was designed to provide access to nonimmigrant, 
temporary workers for seasonal needs when no American workers can be 
found. These foreign workers offer short-term assistance and return to 
their home country at the end of their season. H-2B visas are capped at 
66,000 per year. This still does not meet the needs for small 
businesses. In fact, the 2009 cap was met within the first week of 
January.
  I have previously called upon the leadership of the Congress to 
address this urgent need in districts like mine across the country. To 
the detriment of so many of the small businesses that are the engine of 
our economy, this issue is ensnarled in the broader immigration debate 
and no action has been taken to date.
  In the absence of such a consensus, I respectfully oppose this bill 
and ask my colleagues to join me in supporting and calling for a vote 
on H.R. 1136, the ``Save Our Small and Seasonal Businesses Act,'' 
introduced by my friend from Michigan, Mr. Stupak.
  During these difficult economic times, we cannot leave our small 
businesses with few options and even fewer workers.

                          ____________________