WASHINGTON  –  Congressman Adam Putnam (R-Fla.) today called for action on legislation that would help small businesses that depend on temporary non-agricultural visas for foreign workers.  The measure is especially important for businesses that depend on the workers during the summer months, he said.

The legislation, offered by U.S. Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Mich.), HR 1843, has been stalled despite bipartisan support.  Putnam and Congressmen Charles Boustany, Jr., (R-La.) and Jim Gerlach (R-Pa.) held a news conference today to call on other members of Congress to sign a discharge petition that would compel the House to consider the legislation.

“This year, the cap of 66,000 H-2B visas was met on the second day of the year,” said Putnam. “It’s clear that this figure is not at all sufficient to meet the needs of our small businesses.  This is an issue that cuts across partisan lines.  It takes on an increased relevance in this challenging economic climate, and as we approach the summer season, where the need to augment the existing labor force with temporary workers certainly reaches its peak.”

The Stupak bill would allow more temporary foreign workers, by exempting those who have worked temporarily in the United States during the past three years from counting against the numerical cap.  Congress has passed similar measures in past years.

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.  He is chairman of the House Republican Conference, the third ranking leadership role in his party, and a member of the Committee on Financial Services.

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