H.R. 2071 — Save Our Shrimpers Act, as amended
Executive Summary
H.R. 2071, the 'Save Our Shrimpers Act,' directs the Secretary of the Treasury to instruct U.S. Executive Directors at international financial institutions to use the 'voice and vote' of the United States to oppose any financial assistance for foreign shrimp farming, processing, or export projects. The legislation is a targeted protectionist measure designed to shield the domestic U.S. shrimp industry—particularly in the Gulf Coast and South Atlantic—from foreign competitors who benefit from international development subsidies. The bill includes a national interest waiver for the Treasury Secretary and a 7-year sunset clause.
Arguments For
- Economic Protection: Directly addresses a major grievance of the domestic commercial fishing industry by preventing U.S. taxpayer dollars from indirectly subsidizing foreign competitors who often dump cheap shrimp into the U.S. market.
- Bipartisan Regional Appeal: Provides an easy, highly visible political win for Gulf Coast and South Atlantic members of both parties, demonstrating concrete action to protect local jobs and coastal economies.
Likely Supporters
Arguments Against
- Diplomatic Micromanagement: Restricts the flexibility of the Treasury Department and U.S. diplomats at international financial institutions, potentially hindering broader geopolitical or development negotiations.
- Protectionist Precedent: Free-trade advocates may argue this sets a dangerous precedent of using international financial institutions for domestic industry protectionism, which could invite retaliatory measures against U.S. agricultural exports.
Likely Opponents
📋 Key Provisions
- Requires U.S. representatives at international financial institutions to oppose funding for foreign shrimp farming, processing, or export projects.
- Grants the Secretary of the Treasury the authority to waive the requirement on a project-by-project basis if deemed in the national interest.
- Includes a sunset provision, expiring the mandate 7 years after the date of enactment.
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Verification Guide
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Instructs U.S. representatives to oppose financial assistance for foreign shrimp projects.
"to use the voice and vote of the United States to oppose"
Grants waiver authority to the Secretary of the Treasury.
"may waive subsection (a) with respect to a project"
The mandate expires after a 7-year period.
"or effect after the end of the 7-year period beginning on"