BY MICHAEL DOYLE - mdoyle@mcclatchydc.com
WASHINGTON
House Republicans this week are adding a controversial California water bill to an unrelated Senate energy package, opening a new front in a fight that’s already put Democrats on the defensive.
The unexpected energy bill maneuver gives San Joaquin Valley lawmakers a third vehicle they might propel all the way to the White House. At the least, it builds up steam for the GOP drive to boost California water storage and divert more irrigation deliveries to Valley farms.
For those of you involved with the H2A program the Department of Labor (DOL) have made changes to the ETA 9142A Appendix A Form. The directions and changes are stated below in the latest news release from DOL. Among the changes, they changed the footer to be signed by the Employer. Please read below for the full explanation and instruction from DOL. DOL made these changes to help agents and attorneys save time from trying to track down the employer to sign the paper forms for a second time. 
As part of proposed Trans-Pacific Partnership, tariffs on many of the San Joaquin Valley’s top crops would be lowered or completely eliminated. Growers of almonds (above), walnuts, pistachios, pecans, citrus, tree fruit, dairy, vegetables (fresh and processed) and beef would be affected by lower tariffs.