Congresswoman Letlow Files Bill to Protect American Seafood

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Julia Letlow has filed legislation to protect Louisiana’s signature seafood industry and safeguard taxpayers from subsidizing foreign seafood purchases.

“In Louisiana, seafood is a cornerstone of our economy and a way of life. My Buy American Seafood Act would ensure that taxpayer-funded seafood is sourced from American fishermen and processors, protecting taxpayers from subsidizing foreign countries or adversaries like China,” said Congresswoman Julia Letlow.

The Buy American Seafood Act requires the federal government, a huge purchaser of seafood, to only purchase seafood sourced in the United States. This includes federally-funded school lunch programs, ensuring that kids and families have access to high-quality food that meets American inspection standards.

“I am fighting to stop heavily subsidized, often-contaminated foreign seafood from undercutting our American producers — including those who harvest the finest Louisiana seafood from the Gulf of America. By prioritizing American seafood in federal purchases, we can deliver nutritious, high-quality products to families across the country,” added Congresswoman Letlow.

“The FDA is encouraging Americans to eat more seafood, and we catch and process some of the best right here at home," said Blake Price, director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance."Ensuring U.S. funds deliver healthy U.S. seafood through nutritional programs is a win for our children, fishermen, and coastal economies. We commend Representative Letlow for her leadership on this issue and urge the swift passage of this commonsense bill." 

“I applaud Congresswoman Letlow for supporting Louisiana’s aquaculture and fishers. This will strengthen our ability to maintain a viable domestic seafood market,” said Commissioner Mike Strain, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry.

Current Supporting Organizations:

Southern Shrimp Alliance

Louisiana Shrimp Association

Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation

Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry

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