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Congressman Troy E. Nehls of Texas, alongside fellow lawmakers, has reintroduced the bipartisan Save Our Shrimpers Act of 2025. The legislation aims to prohibit federal funds from supporting International Financial Institutions (IFIs) in activities related to shrimp farming, processing, or export from foreign countries to the United States. The bill also mandates an investigation by the U.S. Government Accountability Office and requires annual reports to Congress on compliance with USC 262(h).
Nehls emphasized the struggle faced by American shrimpers due to foreign shrimp flooding the market, stating that "American shrimpers, including those in my district, are struggling to stay afloat due to an excess of foreign shrimp flooding our markets." He further criticized the use of American tax dollars for financing foreign shrimp farms.
Congressman Clay Higgins highlighted that cutting federal funding for international institutions contributing to foreign shrimp farming would provide a level playing field for domestic shrimpers. "America’s shrimping industry is grappling with some of the lowest prices in recent history due to an influx of imported products," he noted.
Congressman Vicente Gonzalez expressed concern over the impact on South Texas's shrimping industry, adding, "Foreign shrimp imports continue to wreak havoc on South Texas’s shrimping industry." Congressman Troy Carter stressed protecting Louisiana's local industry and ensuring tax dollars do not undercut American fishermen's livelihoods.
Original cosponsors include Representatives Nancy Mace, Randy Weber, Gus Bilirakis, Julia Letlow, Anna Paulina Luna, Greg Murphy, Mike Ezell, John Rutherford, Byron Donalds, Barry Moore, Brian Babin, and Michael Cloud.
The legislation is backed by organizations such as the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), Louisiana Shrimp Association, and Texas Shrimp Association. John Williams of SSA criticized funding for foreign companies that compete with U.S. businesses: "The U.S. government has allowed—even supported—funding of foreign shrimp companies that directly compete with our own."
Acy Cooper from the Louisiana Shrimp Association thanked Representative Nehls and others involved for standing up for American industry. Chris Londrie from the Texas Shrimp Association described it as a crucial step toward protecting their struggling industry.
Background information indicates that U.S. domestic shrimpers face challenges due to foreign imports financed through IFIs like the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Despite federal law requiring opposition to assistance causing harm to U.S. producers, compliance remains difficult to trace.