WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) has introduced H.R. 6212, the Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act of 2018, which protects American consumers and small businesses from foreign seafood dumping.
The bill prohibits the import of foreign seafood that fails to meet U.S. standards for seafood manufacturing, processing, and holding. It also establishes a program for foreign seafood inspection and imposes real penalties for importers and countries that routinely violate U.S. laws.
Historically, only a small percentage of seafood imports have been inspected as they enter the United States, and a 2017 GAO report shows that foreign seafood products exhibit high rates of drug residue and contamination. The irresponsible and illegal dumping of seafood imports hurts American consumers and the Gulf seafood industry.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“Illegal seafood dumping is a serious issue that threatens Louisiana and American seafood producers. Louisiana fishermen deserve a level playing field. These low-quality foreign imports should be forced to comply with the same high standards that Louisiana seafood producers are required to meet. My bill prioritizes American interests and ends the unfair trading practices that hurt American consumers and fishermen. Congress should act quickly to pass this important legislation.”
