Rep. Nancy Mace's Amendment Fights To Protect American Seafood

(Washington, D.C., September 9, 2025) — Today, Congresswoman Nancy Mace (R-SC-01) announced new action to safeguard South Carolina’s shrimpers, fishermen, and coastal economy by introducing an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) requiring the Department of War (DoW) to purchase only American-caught seafood.

“For too long, foreign competitors have undercut American workers, threatened our economy, and exploited loopholes in federal law. Our amendment ends it,” said Congresswoman Mace. “If the Pentagon is buying seafood, it will come from American waters, caught by American hands, not from our adversaries.”

First enacted in 1941, the Berry Amendment ensures the DoW buys American-made products critical to national security. Rep. Mace’s amendment specifically closes the loophole for seafood, requiring every fish, shrimp, and shellfish the Pentagon buys to come from U.S. sources, not foreign imports.

This amendment comes as South Carolina shrimpers battle unfair competition and alleged mislabeling of foreign shrimp as “local.” By enforcing fair rules and putting American-caught seafood first, it ensures the Pentagon buys only American-caught seafood, giving South Carolina shrimpers the fair shake they deserve.

Bryan Jones the Vice President of the South Carolina Shrimpers Association provided the following quote: 

"This amendment is a matter of fairness, and we are grateful to Congresswoman Mace for her leadership. The Department of War has a responsibility to feed our troops and their families safe, high-quality seafood. By closing this loophole, the Congresswoman is ensuring that our military's food supply is not only secure but also supports the very American workers who are the backbone of our coastal communities. This is a common-sense measure that protects both our national security and our domestic industry."

“South Carolina’s shrimpers and fishermen are the backbone of our coastal economy and they feed American families,” added Mace. “They work from sunup to sundown, carrying on generations of tradition and keeping our Lowcountry alive. We will not allow foreign interests to game the system at their expense. Our people deserve a level playing field, and we will always stand up to make sure they get it.”

This amendment is one of five Mace proposals made in order for consideration during floor debate on the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act.

###