Congressman Asks USDA to Buy Up Louisiana Shrimp

Higgins seeks federal support for domestic shrimpers facing competition from imported seafood.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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U.S. Representative Clay Higgins has written a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture requesting that the agency initiate a purchase of wild-caught Gulf shrimp under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act. Higgins cited the need to support domestic shrimpers facing competition from lower-priced imported shrimp, particularly from countries like India and Indonesia.

Why it matters

The shrimping industry is a vital part of Louisiana's economy, but domestic shrimpers have struggled to compete with the influx of cheaper imported shrimp. This request for federal intervention aims to provide a boost to the local shrimping industry and protect American jobs.

The details

In his letter, Higgins asked the USDA to prioritize purchasing smaller-grade peeled and undeveined shrimp. He noted that the Secretary of Agriculture has access to 30% of annual gross customs receipts, such as tariffs, to fund these types of purchases under Section 32 of the Agricultural Adjustment Act. Higgins cited recent reports of potentially radioactive imported Indonesian shrimp being recalled across the U.S. as an example of the unfair competition domestic shrimpers face.

  • Higgins sent the letter to USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins on February 4, 2026.

The players

Clay Higgins

A U.S. Representative from Louisiana who has requested the USDA purchase domestic shrimp to support local producers.

Brooke Rollins

The current U.S. Secretary of Agriculture, to whom Higgins addressed his letter requesting shrimp purchases.

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What they’re saying

“'Our domestic shrimpers face unrighteous competition from the billions of pounds of inferior, imported shrimp that cross our borders each year from nations such as India and Indonesia, which undercut U.S. producers.'”

— Clay Higgins, U.S. Representative (cenlanow.com)

What’s next

The USDA will review Higgins' request and determine if it can initiate a purchase of domestic shrimp under Section 32 authorities.

The takeaway

This request highlights the ongoing challenges facing the U.S. shrimping industry as it struggles to compete with cheaper imported seafood. If approved, a USDA purchase program could provide critical support to Louisiana's shrimpers and the broader coastal economy.