Save Our Shrimpers Act

The U.S. House of Representatives has advanced the **Save Our Shrimpers Act**, placing H.R. 2071 on the Union Calendar as Calendar No. 491 after it passed the House Financial Services Committee.[1][5][7] Sponsored by Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX), the bipartisan bill prohibits federal funds from supporting international financial institutions that finance foreign shrimp farms, processing, or exports to the U.S.[2][3][5] This move aims to shield American shrimpers from cheap imports flooding the market.

Introduced in the 119th Congress with co-sponsors from Louisiana, Texas, and beyond, the legislation builds on existing law requiring U.S. directors at bodies like the World Bank to oppose projects harming domestic producers amid global surpluses.[3][10] Nehls highlighted in a Hill op-ed that U.S. tax dollars have inadvertently subsidized foreign competitors, forcing shrimpers to struggle.[3] The Southern Shrimp Alliance praised the committee's action, noting a historic U.S. vote against such funding in 2025.[1][9]

For Milwaukee residents, this matters through broader economic ripples in the seafood supply chain. Local grocers, restaurants, and ports handling Great Lakes shipping rely on stable U.S. fisheries to keep prices fair and support jobs tied to food imports and distribution.[11] Protecting shrimpers could stabilize national seafood costs, benefiting Wisconsin's $1 billion fishing industry and everyday consumers facing import-driven inflation.

The bill now awaits a full House floor vote, with potential Senate action to follow before reaching the president.[5]