Moore Backs Bill to Protect Gulf Coast Shrimpers
Rep. Barry Moore voted for legislation blocking U.S. funds from supporting foreign shrimp operations that compete with Gulf Coast fishermen
U.S. Representative Barry Moore (R-AL-01) voted Tuesday in support of the Save Our Shrimpers Act, a bill aimed at stopping federal support for foreign shrimp operations that compete with American seafood producers.
Moore, who signed on as an original cosponsor of the measure, said the legislation would help protect Gulf Coast jobs and strengthen the domestic shrimp industry.
The bill would prohibit federal funds from being made available to international financial institutions for projects tied to shrimp farming, shrimp processing, or shrimp exports from foreign countries into the United States. Supporters say the measure is designed to stop taxpayer-backed subsidies that give overseas shrimp producers an edge over American fishermen.
“America’s shrimpers have been crushed by unfair foreign competition, and hardworking families along the Gulf Coast are paying the price,” Moore said. “The passage of the Save Our Shrimpers Act is a major victory for Alabama’s seafood industry and for every shrimper fighting to keep their business alive. American tax dollars should never be used to subsidize foreign shrimp operations that undercut our own fishermen and flood our markets with cheap imports. I’m proud to support this commonsense legislation to put American shrimpers first, protect jobs along the Gulf Coast, and ensure our seafood industry can continue to thrive for generations to come.”
The legislation, formally known as H.R. 2071, was introduced by Troy Nehls and passed the House this week with broad bipartisan support. The bill cleared the chamber by a vote of 391-18-1.
Backers of the proposal argue foreign shrimp imports have driven down prices and strained fishing communities across the Gulf Coast, including Alabama’s seafood industry centered in Baldwin and Mobile counties.
The measure would direct U.S. representatives at international financial institutions, such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, to oppose financing tied to foreign shrimp production and export projects.
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate for consideration.
