Here is the latest update from the lobbyist for the H-2B Workforce Coalition:

Congress is close to wrapping up its negotiations over a spending bill for the remainder of fiscal 2018. We believe H-2B cap relief will be included in that package thanks to everyone’s continued advocacy and outreach. We expect that the bill will include substantial relief for two years, as well as the first permanent cap relief in decades. While the language being negotiated will not satisfy 100% of the demand for H-2B visas, it is a significant step forward. The final negotiations over the spending bill should be wrapped up on Monday.

While calls to your lawmakers in your home state urging cap relief are helpful, we strongly recommend that you do not reference any specific language, which is counterproductive in the middle of delicate negotiations. Also, please do not call any Senators or Representatives beyond your elected officials. Congressional staff see non-constituent phone calls and a waste of time and not helpful.

We will keep you updated on the status of cap relief in the final spending bill and let you know the details as soon as a bill is released.