Nassau County formally backed the Save Our Shrimpers Act on Oct. 21. The Board of County Commissioners approved a proclamation supporting the federal bill and calling on the U.S. Senate to advance the legislation.

Commissioner Jeff Gray presented the proclamation to John Steele, an at-large member of the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival Committee, according to The County Insider.

The Save Our Shrimpers Act, designated H.R. 2071, would require U.S. directors at international financial institutions to oppose projects that provide financial assistance for foreign shrimp farming, shrimp processing or shrimp exports. The bill passed the U.S. House on May 12 by a bipartisan vote of 391-18, with one member voting present. Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate, though no vote has been scheduled.

The county's proclamation frames the commercial shrimp industry as central to Nassau County's economy, culture and history. The industry supports local businesses, working families and the community's food supply but faces significant competition from imported, farm-raised shrimp produced by foreign operations that have received financing from international institutions, the county said.

The bill targets a specific pipeline of federal money: U.S. contributions to international financial institutions that have financed foreign shrimp farming, Legis1 reported. The restriction would sunset after seven years.

Rep. Aaron Bean, who represents Florida's 4th Congressional District including Nassau County, wrote on X in May that U.S. tax dollars have helped finance foreign shrimp operations that undercut local fleets and push family businesses to the brink.

The bill's primary sponsor, Rep. Troy Nehls of Texas, said American taxpayer dollars "have subsidized foreign shrimp farms and operations while our own shrimpers are struggling to stay afloat," according to Legis1.

Through the proclamation, the board formally called on the Senate to consider, advance and enact the measure. The county said in its official announcement that the action reflects its recognition of the shrimp industry's longstanding contributions to the local economy and coastal heritage.

No Senate vote date has been set.