Save Our Shrimpers Act

Bill Number: H.R. 2071
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 2
Policy Area: Foreign Trade and International Finance
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2026-05-13: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
Last Updated: 2026-07-09T12:23:29Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation aims to direct U.S. representatives at international financial institutions to block funding for shrimp-related projects in other countries. It seeks to limit foreign competition with domestic shrimp producers by opposing support for farming, processing, or exporting shrimp.

Key Provisions

Voice and Vote Requirement: The Secretary of the Treasury must instruct U.S. Executive Directors at each international financial institution to oppose any financial assistance for shrimp farming, processing, or export projects in borrowing countries.
Waiver Authority: The Secretary may waive this opposition for a specific project by notifying Congress that the waiver serves the national interest of the United States.
Expiration: The core requirement ends after seven years from the date the Act becomes law.
Scope: Applies to all international financial institutions as defined under existing U.S. law governing these bodies.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This Act introduces a new, targeted mandate for U.S. voting positions at international financial institutions, focused specifically on shrimp production activities. It does not amend prior statutes directly but adds a temporary policy directive that overrides general U.S. support for such projects unless a national interest waiver is invoked.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: The U.S. Department of the Treasury gains responsibility for issuing voting instructions and handling waiver notifications to Congress.
International Relations: U.S. positions in multilateral institutions could face opposition from borrowing countries reliant on shrimp industries, potentially affecting broader U.S. engagement in global development financing.
Citizens and Economy: Domestic shrimp producers may benefit from reduced foreign project funding, while consumers or related industries could see indirect effects on supply and prices.
Borrowing Countries: Nations seeking loans for shrimp-related development may encounter barriers to approval at institutions like the World Bank or similar bodies.

Main Stakeholders Affected

U.S. shrimp industry and producers seeking protection from overseas competition.
The Department of the Treasury and U.S. Executive Directors at international financial institutions.
Foreign governments and borrowers in developing countries with shrimp sectors.
Congress, due to its role in receiving waiver notifications.
International financial institutions themselves, whose project approvals could be influenced by U.S. votes.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

The Act raises questions about the balance of executive authority in foreign financial policy, as it directs specific voting behavior while allowing a national interest waiver. Its seven-year sunset clause limits long-term effects and may require future legislative review. Politically, it reflects targeted economic protection for a specific U.S. sector within the framework of multilateral institutions, without altering broader constitutional powers over treaties or appropriations.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Nehls, Troy E. [R-TX-22]

Cosponsors (20)

Rep. Higgins, Clay [R-LA-3], Rep. Gonzalez, Vicente [D-TX-34], Rep. Carter, Troy A. [D-LA-2], Rep. Mace, Nancy [R-SC-1], Rep. Weber, Randy K. Sr. [R-TX-14], Rep. Bilirakis, Gus M. [R-FL-12], Rep. Letlow, Julia [R-LA-5], Rep. Luna, Anna Paulina [R-FL-13], Rep. Murphy, Gregory F. [R-NC-3], Rep. Rutherford, John H. [R-FL-5], Rep. Donalds, Byron [R-FL-19], Rep. Moore, Barry [R-AL-1], Rep. Babin, Brian [R-TX-36], Rep. Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4], Rep. Cloud, Michael [R-TX-27], Rep. Fry, Russell [R-SC-7], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Davis, Donald G. [D-NC-1]

Recent Actions

2026-05-13: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
2026-05-12: The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
2026-05-12: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2026-05-12: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 - 18, 1 Present (Roll no. 156). (text: CR H3352) (Roll call 156)
2026-05-12: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 391 - 18, 1 Present (Roll no. 156). (text: CR H3352) (Roll call 156)
2026-05-12: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3375-3376)
2026-05-12: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
2026-05-12: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 2071.
2026-05-12: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3352-3353)
2026-05-12: Mr. Hill (AR) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
2026-03-25: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 491.
2026-03-25: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-571.
2026-03-25: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-571.
2026-03-04: Ordered to be Reported by the Yeas and Nays: 42 - 1.
2026-03-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Bill Versions

Save Our Shrimpers Act — issued 2026-05-12 — PDF (4 pages)
Save Our Shrimpers Act — issued 2025-03-11 — PDF (3 pages)
Save Our Shrimpers Act — issued 2026-05-13 — PDF (2 pages)
Save Our Shrimpers Act — issued 2026-03-25 — PDF (4 pages)