Congresswoman Nancy Mace announced on Apr. 27 the introduction of four amendments to the Farm Bill, along with cosponsoring a fifth, aimed at increasing federal support for South Carolina’s commercial shrimping and fishing industries.
The proposed changes seek to address longstanding gaps in federal assistance for the coastal fishing sector by expanding access to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) programs, establishing a new Office of Seafood within USDA, banning foreign seafood from eligibility under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), expanding market opportunities for wild-caught American seafood, and preventing U.S. taxpayer funds from supporting foreign shrimp operations through international financial institutions.
Mace said, “Washington has ignored the hardworking men and women who keep South Carolina’s coastal economy alive for far too long. The Lowcountry’s shrimpers, fishermen, and seafood processors are a driving force behind our state and a lifeline for families up and down the South Carolina coast. They deserve the same federal support as every other American farmer. Our amendments deliver it. America’s fishermen are farmers of the sea, and it’s long past time Washington finally treats them like it.”
Bryan Jones, Vice President of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association, expressed support for these efforts: “On behalf of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association and all the men and women who make their living on the waters of the Palmetto State, I want to thank Congresswoman Nancy Mace for sponsoring amendments to the 2026 Farm Bill to codify the Office of Seafood within the U.S. Department of Agriculture and ensure America’s shrimpers, harvesters, and fishermen… have access to USDA programs that already support farmers and ranchers across the country,” said Jones.
Among her legislative priorities is an amendment that would formally establish an Office of Seafood at USDA dedicated to coordinating policies affecting fisheries in partnership with other agencies. Another amendment would expand eligibility so commercial fishermen can apply for USDA farm ownership loans similar to those available to traditional land-based farms—helping them acquire vessels or equipment needed for their businesses.
Additional measures include making local agriculture grants accessible to fishing businesses by recognizing wild-caught seafood as an eligible commodity; excluding non-U.S.-harvested seafood from SNAP purchases; and blocking U.S.-backed international financing that supports foreign shrimp farming operations—a move designed so domestic producers do not compete against subsidized overseas competition.
Nancy Mace is currently serving in Congress representing South Carolina’s 1st district after replacing Joe Cunningham in 2021 according to Wikipedia. She previously served in South Carolina’s House from 2018-2020 as reported by Biographical Directory. Born in Fort Bragg in 1977 at age 45 she now resides in Charleston according to Congress.gov, having graduated from The Citadel with a Bachelor’s degree as noted by The Citadel.
