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HR 205

SEAFOOD: Urges and requests the United States Department of Agriculture to utilize the Commodity Procurement program under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act to purchase domestic shrimp from Louisiana shrimpers

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tehmi Chassion and 1 co-sponsor

Urges USDA to use Section 32 procurement to buy Louisiana shrimp, prioritizing domestic purchases to support Louisiana shrimpers and supply nutrition programs.

Taken by the Clerk of the House and presented to the Secretary of State in accordance with the Rules of the House.
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 205

Summary of Bill HR 205 (2026) – Louisiana

Title

Seafood: Urges and requests the United States Department of Agriculture to utilize the Commodity Procurement program under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act to purchase domestic shrimp from Louisiana shrimpers

Purpose and intent

  • The bill is a House Resolution urging and requesting the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use its Section 32 Commodity Procurement program to purchase domestic shrimp specifically from Louisiana shrimpers.
  • The aim is to provide economic relief to Louisiana’s shrimp industry, bolster domestic seafood supply, and support food assistance programs with American-produced shrimp.

Key provisions and changes

  • Directive to USDA: The resolution urges USDA to apply Section 32 authority to purchase Louisiana shrimp.
  • Focus on domestic procurement: The emphasis is on prioritizing purchases of shrimp harvested in Louisiana as part of the Commodity Procurement program.
  • Collaboration with stakeholders: The resolution encourages USDA to collaborate with Louisiana shrimp industry stakeholders to ensure efficient procurement, processing, and distribution of domestically harvested shrimp.
  • Communications: The resolution directs that copies be transmitted to the USDA Secretary and Louisiana’s congressional delegation.

Who/what is affected

  • Affected sector: Louisiana shrimpers, processors, and coastal communities that rely on the shrimp industry.
  • Beneficiaries: Domestic shrimp producers in Louisiana; federal nutrition programs (e.g., school meals, food banks) that receive shrimp through USDA procurement.
  • Government program: USDA’s Commodity Procurement program under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act.

Background and rationale (as presented in the bill)

  • Louisiana shrimp is described as vital to the state’s economy, culture, and heritage, supporting thousands of jobs.
  • The industry faces economic hardship due to higher operating costs, increased imports, and market volatility; imported shrimp can depress domestic prices.
  • Section 32 has a history of purchasing domestically sourced seafood to support markets, manage surplus inventory, and supply nutrition programs.
  • The resolution argues that purchasing Louisiana shrimp would provide immediate economic relief and help maintain food security and sustainable fishing practices.

Procedural/timeline aspects

  • Status: Read by title (as of the action history). The bill is a non-binding resolution.
  • Effect: As a resolution, it expresses the House’s position and recommendation but does not itself create new law or funding; it urges federal action by USDA.
  • Timing: Targets the 2026 season, citing anticipated USDA purchases under Section 32 as a stabilizing factor for 2026.

Notable details

  • The resolution notes that USDA has purchased tens of millions of dollars’ worth of Louisiana shrimp annually since 2020 under Section 32.
  • It highlights external pressures such as foreign imports and high fuel costs impacting Louisiana shrimpers.
  • The bill explicitly asks USDA to prioritize domestic seafood in procurement programs and to work with state stakeholders to ensure efficient procurement, processing, and distribution.

Overall assessment

HR 205 is a nongovernmental, symbolic measure aiming to influence federal procurement policy by urging USDA to purchase Louisiana shrimp under Section 32 to support domestic fishermen and benefit nutrition programs. It underscores ongoing concerns about competition from imports and the importance of stabilizing prices for Louisiana’s shrimp industry during the 2026 season.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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