Congressman Gonzalez Urges Governor Abbott to Take Immediate Action and Request Federal Aid for Gulf Coast Shrimpers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Vicente Gonzalez (TX-34) sent a letter to Texas Governor Greg Abbott urging him to formally request a federal fishery disaster determination for local shrimpers along the Gulf of Mexico. This comes in the wake of another letter sent by Congressman Gonzalez urging the U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to initiate a review and issue a fishery disaster determination.  
 
“Our shrimpers are on the brink of economic collapse. Cameron County and the City of Port Isabel have already issued local disaster declarations as shrimp prices plummet, labor shortages and restrictive immigration regulations continue, and fuel prices climb higher, making it nearly impossible for shrimpers to continue their operations. Governor Abbott must request federal aid for our South Texas shrimpers,” said Congressman Gonzalez, “Our local governments continue to call for a formal disaster declaration to no avail. It’s time for Governor Abbott to answer their pleas. We must do everything possible to protect our coastal communities and family-owned businesses on the verge of shutting down. I strongly urge the governor to contact the department of Commerce and request a fishery disaster determination.” 
 
The full text of the letter can be found here. 

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