Six Florida companies whose H-2A applications to hire truck drivers were denied by the Labor Department may get some relief as the result of a court decision Monday.

The Democratic-controlled House approved a bill Wednesday to expand the H-2A visa program to year-round farmworkers and provide growers relief from wage hikes, but the broad GOP opposition underscored the challenge of getting Congress to address the agricultural labor squeeze.

Farmers nationwide could be forced sometime soon to start ensuring the eligibility of all new employees using the federal E-Verify system, which current agricultural users say is so flawed that many undocumented applicants can easily get around. 

Policy year in review for almonds * Conservatives look to stop ag labor fix

Ag labor bill supporters look for GOP boost * Positive signs on China talks

More trade aid on the way * Does ag labor bill have Senate ‘buy-in’? * USDA defends hemp testing