Congresswoman Nancy Mace announced on May 13 that the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2071, known as the Save Our Shrimpers Act, by a vote of 391-18.
The bill aims to prevent American tax dollars from supporting foreign shrimp farming and processing operations that compete directly with domestic shrimpers. Supporters say this measure is intended to protect jobs and economic stability in coastal communities.
“South Carolina’s shrimping industry is part of our identity, our heritage, and our economy,” said Congresswoman Mace.”For too long, our shrimpers have been undercut by foreign competitors bankrolled with American tax dollars. The Save Our Shrimpers Act puts an end to it. This is about a level playing field. It is about making sure American tax dollars work for American shrimpers and not against them. We will always go to bat for the hardworking men and women of South Carolina’s coast.”
Industry organizations across several states expressed their support for the legislation through public statements included in the announcement. Bryan Jones, Vice President of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, said: “The Save Our Shrimpers Act is about one simple principle: American tax dollars should not be used to subsidize foreign shrimp operations that are putting American shrimpers out of business… We’re grateful to Congressman Troy Nehls and the bipartisan group of cosponsors, including South Carolina’s Congresswoman Nancy Mace and Congressman Russell Fry, for standing up for working waterfronts, American food security, and the families who have helped feed this country for generations. This bill is a common-sense step toward finally putting American shrimpers first.” Chris Londrie, President of Texas Shrimp Association added: “Passage of the Save Our Shrimpers Act is integral to helping the shrimp industry achieve a level playing field… Thank you to all who have supported this bill and thereby elevated the U.S. shrimp industry.”
Other leaders echoed these sentiments; Acy Cooper from Louisiana called on swift Senate action while Ryan Bradley from Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United said: “Supporting the Save Our Shrimpers Act is a no-brainer because it opposes funding of foreign farmed shrimp operations that make it hard for domestic producers to compete.” Tuyen Bui from the American Shrimp Association stated: “This legislation protects critical jobs in coastal communities and signals to the world that America values our shrimp harvesters and processors first,” while Trey Pearson from American Shrimp Processors Association said: “This bill will put an end to this practice and ensure that international institutions which are financed with U.S. taxpayer dollars do not use those funds to prop up our competitors overseas.”
South Carolina’s local fishing communities have experienced years of pressure due to low-priced imports impacting their livelihoods according to Rep. Mace’s office.
Nancy Mace has served in Congress representing South Carolina’s 1st District since 2021 after replacing Joe Cunningham; she previously served in South Carolina’s House between 2018-2020 according to her official website. She was born in Fort Bragg in 1977 before moving later on Charleston where she currently resides according to her official biography. She graduated from The Citadel in 1999 with a Bachelor’s degree according to her congressional biography.
The next step for H.R. 2071 will be consideration by the U.S Senate.
