Sponsors (2)
The bill increases demand for U.S.-produced seafood and improves traceability and safety for federal food programs, but does so at the likely cost of higher program prices, supply risks that could cause shortages or reliance on waivers, and added administrative and trade risks.
Small U.S. seafood producers, processors, and coastal/rural communities would see increased demand because federal food programs are prioritized to buy seafood harvested and processed in the United States, supporting domestic jobs and supply chains.
Students, low-income individuals, and other program recipients would avoid interruptions in meals and food assistance because agencies can use waivers to purchase non-U.S. seafood when U.S. supply is unavailable.
Low-income households, students, and institutional recipients would get seafood with better traceability and potential food-safety protections because the bill defines 'United States-produced' and allows waivers if foreign product fails safety/quality standards.
Taxpayers and federal food programs could face higher costs because U.S.-sourced seafood is likely to be more expensive than some imports, potentially reducing the quantity or variety of food provided.
Students, low-income recipients, and program operators risk supply shortfalls or operational strain if domestic seafood cannot meet demand, potentially forcing reliance on imports or reducing menu options.
Allowing waivers (including for supply or quality) could be used frequently or broadly, which would weaken the domestic-preference goal and still harm U.S. producers by increasing purchases of foreign seafood.
Based on analysis of 7 sections of legislative text.
Federal agencies must procure only U.S.-produced seafood for covered food programs unless USDA waives the requirement for insufficient supply or safety/quality concerns.
Official title: To prohibit any procurement by the Federal Government of foreign seafood for covered food programs, and for other purposes.
Introduced April 16, 2026 by Julia Letlow · Last progress April 16, 2026
Requires federal agencies to buy seafood only if it is U.S.-produced (harvested on U.S.-flagged vessels or raised/processed in the U.S.) for specified federal food programs, unless the Secretary of Agriculture issues a waiver because domestic supply or quality/safety is inadequate. Applies to school meal programs, Emergency Food Assistance, Department of Defense food services, FEMA disaster food programs, and other federally funded food purchase or distribution programs; agencies must follow regulations to be issued within 180 days. The law creates seafood-specific definitions, a waiver-and-notice process, and does not authorize new funding.