Sw Louisiana News

Congressmen Clay Higgins and Troy Nehls have introduced the Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2024, aimed at supporting the struggling domestic shrimping industry in the United States. The proposed legislation seeks to prevent federal funds from supporting International Financial Institutions that subsidize foreign shrimp farming, processing, or export activities to the U.S.

According to Congressman Higgins, the influx of imported shrimp products has led to a significant downturn in prices for domestic shrimpers, posing a threat to their livelihoods. He emphasized the importance of safeguarding the American shrimping industry, stating, “The taxpayer’s hard-earned treasure shouldn’t go toward building competition against the American people.”

Congressman Nehls echoed these sentiments, highlighting the challenges faced by shrimpers in Texas and other coastal regions. He emphasized the need to explore all available legislative avenues to protect the nation's shrimping industry, stating, “In order to save our nation’s shrimping industry, we must exhaust every legislative option on the table.”

The Save Our Shrimpers Act would trigger an investigation by the Government Accountability Office and mandate annual reports to Congress to monitor compliance with federal laws prohibiting assistance to foreign entities that harm U.S. producers. This legislative effort aligns with Congressman Higgins' previous advocacy for the seafood industry, as demonstrated by his reintroduction of the Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act.

The proposed legislation reflects a bipartisan commitment to supporting domestic shrimpers and ensuring a level playing field in the face of global competition and pricing pressures. As the debate on the Save Our Shrimpers Act unfolds, stakeholders in the shrimping industry will be closely watching for further developments and potential impacts on their businesses.