Congressman Gonzalez Urges Trump Admin to Protect Gulf Coast Shrimping Industry as House Passes Save Our Shrimpers Act

May 13, 2026 Press Release Contact: Alexis Torres Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) urged President Donald Trump, U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, and U.S. Department of Labor Acting Secretary Keith Sonderling to protect the domestic shrimping industry in South Texas and across the nation. Specifically, the letter pushes Trump and his Administration to immediately address widespread labor shortages in the industry by releasing more H-2A or H-2B visas for employers who already have an approved H-2B Temporary Labor Certification but are unable to secure workers due to current visa caps. The shrimping season starts on July 15, 2026, and many domestic shrimpers are unable to secure the necessary visas to sustain operations. This comes as rising costs are forcing shrimpers to catch nearly three times the usual amount to offset the cost of filling their boat’s fuel tank, which can run as much as $80,000. Congressman Gonzalez wrote, “The domestic shrimping industry is already facing an existential crisis due to unfair competition from foreign imports, combined with severe labor shortages, and increased fuel prices. Without immediate action from the Congress and the Executive Branch, this industry will suffer irreparable harm if they cannot employ the workers they need for the upcoming commercial shrimp season. Building on the Administration’s April 2025 Executive Order 14276, “Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness,” I ask that you all release visas to the employers who have an approved H-2B Temporary Labor Certification but are facing a capped allocation whether that be from additional H-2B or H-2A visas or any program deemed necessary…” “...Our domestic shrimpers are on the verge of a major collapse. If employers have the necessary visas, we can bring certainty to so many small family-owned businesses and coastal communities all over the Gulf Coast,” he continued. Today’s action follows a recent meeting between Congressman Gonzalez’s office and the Texas Shrimp Association in the Rio Grande Valley. Additionally, H.R. 2071 , the Save Our Shrimpers Act, passed the House yesterday, which Congressman Gonzalez co-led alongside Representatives Troy Nehls (R-TX-22), Clay Higgins (R-LA-03), and Troy Carter (D-LA-02). The bipartisan legislation safeguards domestic shrimp production by prohibiting taxpayer funds funneled through financial institutions, such as the International Monetary Fund, from going to foreign markets; the bill now awaits consideration in the Senate. Congressman Gonzalez’s letter in full can be viewed here . Issues : Agriculture