Congresswoman Julia Letlow announced on Apr. 16 the introduction of legislation aimed at ensuring that federal agencies purchase only American-sourced seafood. The proposed Buy American Seafood Act is intended to support Louisiana’s seafood industry and prevent taxpayer funds from being used to buy foreign products.
The issue is significant for Louisiana, where seafood plays a key role in the local economy and culture. The bill would require all federally funded programs, including school lunch initiatives, to source their seafood from U.S. fishermen and processors who meet domestic inspection standards.
“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.
Letlow also said she wants to stop “heavily subsidized, often-contaminated foreign seafood” from competing with domestic producers. “By prioritizing American seafood in federal purchases, we can deliver nutritious, high-quality products to families across the country,” she said.
Blake Price, director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, supported the proposal: “The FDA is encouraging Americans to eat more seafood, and we catch and process some of the best right here at home,” Price said. “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.”
Commissioner Mike Strain of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry also expressed his support: “I applaud Congresswoman Letlow for supporting Louisiana’s aquaculture and fishers. This will strengthen our ability to maintain a viable domestic seafood market.”
Letlow currently serves in Congress representing Louisiana’s 5th district after replacing Ralph Abraham in 2021 according to Wikipedia. She previously served in the Louisiana House of Representatives as reported by Ballotpedia. Born in Monroe in 1981, Letlow now lives in Start according to NOLA.com, having graduated with a BA from University of Louisiana at Monroe in 2002 as noted by University of Louisiana at Monroe.
Supporters listed for this legislation include Southern Shrimp Alliance, Louisiana Shrimp Association, Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation as well as state agriculture officials.
