Rep. Nancy Mace Secures Wins For South Carolina Shrimpers And Fishermen In House-Passed Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Apr. 30, 2026) - Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC) announced she secured two amendments in the Farm Bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, delivering a major win for South Carolina's shrimping and fishing industry. The provisions establish a new USDA Office of Seafood and expand federal farm loan eligibility to commercial fishermen and fish processors for the first time.

"Shrimping and fishing in South Carolina isn't just an economic driver, it's a way of life. Anyone who comes to our coast knows it is built on the backs of the men and women who work the water. Yet Washington has ignored our fishermen and shrimpers for far too long. Those days are over," said Congresswoman Mace. "We've always put our fishermen and shrimpers first and have made sure Washington does too. These amendments will give them a seat at the table and the federal resources they've always deserved. This win is decades overdue."

Establishing a USDA Office of Seafood

This amendment codifies the newly established Office of Seafood within the U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide leadership and expertise on issues facing the seafood industry. The Office will integrate fishermen and fish processors into USDA programs and will work alongside the Department of Commerce and other federal partners to revitalize the American seafood industry.

USDA Program Eligibility for Commercial Fishermen and Fish Processors

This amendment amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to expand eligibility for various USDA loan, grant and assistance programs to commercial fishermen and fish processors and ensures commercial fishermen and fish processors have access to USDA farm ownership and operating loans. Fishing vessels and fish processing facilities would be treated on par with farms and ranches, allowing fishermen to access federal loans to acquire vessels, permits, and equipment, resources which help keep American seafood businesses competitive and operational.

Since coming to Congress, Rep. Mace has made South Carolina's fishermen and shrimpers a priority. From introducing the Protect American Fisheries Act to strengthen protections for U.S. fisheries and coastal communities against foreign interference and illegal fishing, to securing an amendment in the House-passed FY26 National Defense Authorization Act requiring the Department of War to purchase only American-caught seafood, to championing amendments in the Farm Bill passed by the House today, she has consistently been a voice in Washington for South Carolina's fishermen and shrimpers.

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