Rep. Letlow Introduces Buy American Seafood Act to Ban Foreign Fish in Federal Food Programs
The Buy American Seafood Act is currently in the early stages of the legislative process. It has been sent to several House committees for review, which is the first step before it can move forward. There are no upcoming votes scheduled at this time.
While supporting American businesses is popular, this bill has been sent to four different committees, which makes it much harder to pass before the current session of Congress ends.
Students who eat school lunches and breakfasts could see changes in the seafood options available to them. If domestic supply is limited or more expensive, schools might serve less seafood overall or face higher costs that squeeze other parts of the meal budget. On the other hand, domestically sourced seafood could be fresher and subject to stricter safety standards.
Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Agriculture, Armed Services, and Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
Sent to a congressional committee for expert review. The committee decides whether this bill moves forward.
Introduced in House
The bill was officially filed and given a number. It now enters the legislative queue.
No votes have been recorded for this legislation yet.
The Buy American Seafood Act, introduced by Rep. Julia Letlow, would mandate that federal child nutrition programs and other agencies buy only American-produced seafood, addressing concerns that much of the current supply is processed in China.
The legislation aims to insulate the domestic fishing sector from foreign competition by requiring federal agencies to source seafood from U.S.-flagged vessels and waters, with all processing occurring domestically.
Document Type
Congressional Bill
Official Title
Buy American Seafood Act
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