Charleston Reporter

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, a group of bipartisan congress members, including Congresswoman Nancy Mace, have introduced the Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2024 to address the challenges faced by the domestic shrimping industry.

The legislation aims to tackle the issue of foreign shrimp imports flooding the U.S. market, impacting the livelihoods of American shrimpers. Congressman Troy E. Nehls highlighted the struggles faced by shrimpers, stating, “Shrimpers in the 22nd Congressional District of Texas, along the Gulf Coast, and Atlantic Coast are faced with similar difficult decisions of whether to catch shrimp, tie up the trawlers for the season, or even be forced to sell their trawlers.”

Congresswoman Nancy Mace emphasized the importance of the bill in protecting American jobs and coastal economies, stating, “Our domestic shrimping industry is struggling due to an influx of foreign shrimp flooding our markets. This bill sets clear conditions on funding to international institutions, preventing support for foreign shrimp farming.”

The Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2024 would prohibit federal funds from supporting activities related to shrimp farming, processing, or export in foreign countries. It also calls for an investigation within the United States Government Accountability Office to ensure compliance with existing laws protecting U.S. producers.

Support for the legislation has been strong among industry stakeholders. John Williams, Executive Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, commended the efforts, stating, “The U.S. shrimp industry applauds Representative Nehls for leading a bipartisan effort to prevent federal funds from distorting shrimp markets and harming our commercial fishermen and their communities.”

Various state directors of industry associations also expressed their support for the bill, emphasizing the importance of protecting American shrimpers from unfair competition and market manipulation.

The Save Our Shrimpers Act has garnered bipartisan support from lawmakers and industry groups, signaling a united effort to safeguard the interests of American shrimpers and preserve the domestic shrimping industry.