Texas Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (D) recently sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo requesting that the Department of Commerce protect the fisheries on the Gulf of Mexico by issuing a fishery resource disaster determination.
In a statement, the Texas congressman gave his thoughts on the issue and its importance.
“We need our federal government to protect our South Texas shrimpers,” said Rep. Gonzalez.
Rep. Gonzalez emphasized the amount of money and jobs that the industry contributes to the local Texas economy.
“Texas Gulf Coast shrimpers generate roughly $850 million for the state of Texas annually and account for over 14,000 domestic jobs. However, our domestic shrimpers continue to experience economic hardships caused by an increase in foreign shrimp imports, high fuel prices, labor shortages, and immigration regulations.”
Despite the income that the industry contributes to the state, it is still on the decline. However, Gonzalez expressed his hope that the letter would prevent the destruction of a much-needed group of workers.
“South Texas shrimpers are on the verge of economic collapse. Counties along the Coast, including Cameron County and the City of Port of Isabel, have issued local disaster declarations. That is why I strongly urge the Secretary and the Department of Commerce to issue a fishery resource disaster determination which would allow South Texas shrimpers access to federal disaster relief funding, so this critical industry does not disappear.”
In other news, after a meeting with fellow democratic members of Congress, New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez (D) stated his plans to remain in office and not step down after bribe allegations.
In a statement at what has been described as a “closed-door luncheon”, Sen. Menendez stated his intentions to continue his duties.
"I will continue to cast votes on behalf of the people of New Jersey as I have for 18 years. And I am sure when they need those votes, they’ll be looking for it, for me to catch those votes," said Sen. Menendez.
