As the second half of the 117th Congress kicks off, join AmericanHort’s advocacy team and distinguished guests to discuss the outlook on key industry issues to include the agricultural workforce, H-2B, USDA programs, research funding, and Farm Bill, as well as priorities in Congress.

Speakers

Lynn Jacquez

Principal, CJ Lake LLC

Lynn Jacquez’ professional background spans private law practice, government relations, and service in the Federal government. In her work for its Subcommittee on Immigration, Refugees, and International Law, she had primary responsibility for the drafting and processing of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA) and refugee reauthorization legislation.

After her tenure on the Committee, Ms. Jacquez entered private practice with Heron, Burchette, Ruckert & Rothwell, and later with McAuliffe, Kelly & Raffaelli. In 1992, she helped form the government relations firm which became CJ Strategies in 2006 and in 2011 established the law firm of CJ Lake LLC where she is now managing partner and Principal.

Jeremy Witte
Professional Staff, Senate Agriculture Committee

Witte previously worked for the House Agriculture Committee and Cornerstone Government Affairs. He holds a master’s degree in economics from George Mason University and bachelor’s degree in agriculture economics and agriculture business from New Mexico State University. Witte grew up in New Mexico where he showed livestock and participated in farm management judging as a member of 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA).

John-Mark Kolb

Legislative Director
Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL)

John-Mark Kolb will join us to discuss her Dignity Act, a broad new immigration reform bill that includes significant and beneficial H-2A, H-2B, and earned legalization provisions. Rep. Salazar announced her goals for this legislation at the Impact Washington Summit in September.

Sean Babington

Senior Advisor for Climate in the Office of the Secretary
United States Department of Agriculture

Sean Babington will also be joining to discuss climate initiatives at USDA. Babington previously worked for the Senate Agriculture Committee where he handled committee business pertaining to forestry, pesticides, and climate change.

Industry Champion Dan Newhouse (R-WA)

Co-Author of the Farm Workforce Modernization Act, Former Director of Washington State’s Department of Agriculture, and third-generation Yakima Valley farmer