Sw Louisiana News

Congressmen Clay Higgins and Troy Nehls have reintroduced the Save Our Shrimpers Act. This legislation aims to stop federal funds from being allocated to International Financial Institutions (IFIs) that support shrimp farming, processing, or export activities related to the United States.

The bill mandates an investigation by the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) and requires annual reports to Congress. These reports will monitor whether IFIs’ U.S. Executive Directors comply with Federal law USC 262(h), which opposes any international financial assistance that harms U.S. producers.

Higgins has been vocal in supporting Louisiana’s seafood industry. In February, he addressed a letter to President Trump advocating for tariffs and stricter trade enforcement on seafood imports from countries like China, Ecuador, India, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

“America’s shrimping industry is grappling with some of the lowest prices in recent history due to an influx of imported products,” stated Congressman Higgins. He emphasized the need for cutting federal funding to international bodies that aid foreign shrimp farming, asserting it would help American shrimpers compete fairly. “We must ensure that taxpayer’s hard-earned treasure goes to the American people, not subsidizing foreign shrimpers.”

Congressman Nehls echoed these sentiments: “American shrimpers, including those in my district, are struggling to stay afloat due to an excess of foreign shrimp flooding our markets.” He pointed out that American tax dollars are financing foreign shrimp farms that negatively impact domestic businesses. “My bill, the Save Our Shrimpers Act, would halt funding to international institutions that bankroll foreign shrimp operations. We must do everything we can to protect our nation’s shrimping industry and put American shrimpers first.”

The full text of the legislation is available for public viewing.