Congressman Troy E. Nehls announced on May 12 that his bill, H.R. 2071, the Save Our Shrimpers Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 391-18-1.
The legislation is intended to stop U.S. taxpayer money from being used to subsidize foreign shrimp farming and processing operations through international financial institutions. Supporters say this measure aims to protect domestic shrimpers facing competition from imported shrimp.
“For far too long, foreign shrimp has flooded our markets while U.S. tax dollars have been used to subsidize overseas shrimp operations, which are putting our domestic shrimpers out of business,” said Congressman Nehls. “My bipartisan legislation puts an end to that by requiring United States representatives at international financial institutions to oppose the use of American taxpayer money to fund foreign shrimp farming and processing. This is a huge win for American shrimpers and a clear win for the America First agenda. Today, the U.S. House of Representatives stood up for the hardworking shrimpers in Texas and across America’s coastal communities who depend on a strong domestic shrimping industry.” The bill has received backing from several organizations including the Southern Shrimp Alliance (SSA), Texas Shrimp Association, South Carolina Shrimper’s Association (SCSA), GA Commercial Fisherman’s Association (GACFA), North Carolina Fisheries Association, Inc., US Shrimp Coalition (USSC), Louisiana Shrimp Association (LSA), Alabama Commercial Fishermen’s Association LLC, Port of Palacios in Texas, American Shrimp Association, and American Shrimp Processors Association.
Blake Price, Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance said: “Until Representative Nehls introduced the SOS Act, the U.S. had never once voted against funding a foreign shrimp aquaculture project… But now… there is growing awareness and strong bipartisan demand to end the practice of subsidizing multinational foreign corporations with hundreds of millions of dollars.” Chris Londrie, President of Texas Shrimp Association said: “Passage of the Save Our Shrimpers Act is integral to helping the shrimp industry achieve a level playing field… This practice needs to stop and passage of this bill is a step in the right direction.” Bryan Jones, Vice President at South Carolina Shrimper’s 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.” Acy Cooper from Louisiana Shrimp Association called on quick Senate action saying: “America’s shrimpers are fighting to survive… this bill will provide much-needed relief.” Ryan Bradley from Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United described supporting it as “a no-brainer.” Mr. Tuyen Bui from American Shrimp Association added: “This legislation protects critical jobs in coastal communities.” Trey Pearson from American Shrimp Processors Association stated: “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.”
The Save Our Shrimpers Act passed through committee with bipartisan support earlier in March 2026 before passing on May 12 in full session. The act would require United States Executive Directors at International Financial Institutions always vote against any financial assistance supporting foreign-based projects involving farmed or processed shrimp exports.
Congressman Nehls first introduced similar legislation during his tenure representing Texas’ 22nd district after taking office in 2021 according to Wikipedia. He was born in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin in 1968 and currently resides in Richmond according to Wikipedia. In April 2025—after reintroducing his proposal—the United States voted against funding such an aquaculture project for what supporters say was reportedly its first time.
Looking ahead, advocates urge swift Senate passage so it can become law.
