The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act (H.R. 9535), introduced by Rep. Glenn 'GT' Thompson on June 30, 2026, aims to modernize the H-2A visa program, which allows U.S. agricultural employers to hire foreign workers for temporary agricultural jobs. The bill seeks to address labor shortages in the agricultural sector by making the H-2A program more accessible and efficient, particularly for year-round industries like dairy farming that have struggled under the current system designed primarily for seasonal work.
The American Dairy Coalition (ADC) has expressed strong support for H.R. 9535, highlighting its potential to provide dairy farmers with a reliable, legal workforce for year-round operations. ADC CEO Laurie Fischer stated that the bill's introduction is a significant milestone for dairy farmers who have long awaited meaningful workforce reform. The legislation is seen as a crucial step toward ensuring continuity of skilled animal care and milking, which are essential for the dairy industry. ([americanagnetwork.com](https://www.americanagnetwork.com/2026/07/01/adc-applauds-thompsons-introduction-of-securing-agricultures-workforce-act/?utm_source=openai))
While specific negative reactions to H.R. 9535 are not detailed in the available sources, it is reasonable to anticipate concerns from labor advocacy groups and some policymakers. Potential criticisms may include fears that expanding the H-2A program could lead to the exploitation of foreign workers, depress wages for domestic farmworkers, or reduce employment opportunities for U.S. citizens. Additionally, there may be apprehension about the adequacy of worker protections and the potential for increased oversight challenges in a modernized program.
The analysis of H.R. 9535, which aims to modernize the admission process for H-2A workers, reveals no direct industry overlaps with the sponsor Glenn Thompson's top donor industries. Thompson's largest donor industry is Health Professionals, contributing $600,000,000, followed by Retired individuals at $187,500,000. Since neither of these industries is directly related to agricultural labor or immigration policy, the potential for conflicts of interest appears minimal. Voters should be aware that while significant funds are involved, they do not seem to influence this specific legislative effort directly.
The absence of overlapping interests suggests that the motivations behind the bill are not financially influenced by the sponsor's primary donors. This indicates a lower risk of legislative bias towards the interests of health professionals or retired individuals in the context of H-2A worker admissions. However, it remains essential for voters to stay informed about any future developments or changes in sponsorship that could introduce new conflicts.
These industries are both affected by this bill and among the sponsor's top donors.
| Industry | Match Type | Related Subject | Donations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retired (W06) | Sector | Immigration | $225,000,000 |
| Total from overlapping industries | $225,000,000 | ||
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE | AMERICAN ISRAEL PUBLIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE | $810,990 |
| AMERICAN LEGION | THE AMERICAN LEGION | $190,000 |
| ACADEMY OF MODEL AERONAUTICS | CAPITOL HILL POLICY GROUP LLC | $50,000 |
| CALISTA CORPORATION | CAPITOL HILL POLICY GROUP LLC | $50,000 |
| PHARMA & BIOPHARMA OUTSOURCING ASSOCIATION | PHARMA & BIOPHARMA OUTSOURCING ASSOCIATION | $50,000 |
| NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION | ROCK CREEK COUNSEL | $40,000 |
| PUGET SOUND ENERGY | ROCK CREEK COUNSEL | $30,000 |
| KOOTENAI TRIBE OF IDAHO | CAPITOL HILL POLICY GROUP LLC | $20,000 |
| MICRON TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | OFF HILL STRATEGIES L.L.C. | $20,000 |
| BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF KANSAS INC | BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF KANSAS, INC. | $10,000 |
| EXODIGO, LLC (ON BEHALF OF GROISMAN, LLC) | EJK, LLC | $10,000 |
| TERAMIND, INC. (ON BEHALF OF GROISMAN, LLC) | EJK, LLC | $5,000 |
| COMMITTEE TO PROTECT HEALTH CARE | COMMITTEE TO PROTECT HEALTH CARE | undisclosed |
| INTELSAT GENERAL CORPORATION | VELOS | undisclosed |
| JETBLUE AIRWAYS CORPORATION | ECKERT SEAMANS CHERIN & MELLOTT, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Glenn Thompson, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
