PRIA Logo™
119-s-4236119th CongressWALLET

American Seafood Competitiveness Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Senator Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

Introduced

Summary

Expand USDA credit and marketing programs to the commercial seafood sector. This bill would amend farm and Farm Credit laws so commercial fishers, fish processors, and related service businesses can use USDA loans, grants, and Farm Credit support.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

USDA loans for seafood businesses

If enacted, the Agriculture Department would treat commercial fishers and fish processors as "farmers" for USDA direct and guaranteed farm loans. You would be able to apply for farm ownership and operating loans if your business is engaged in commercial fishing or fish processing. Ownership loans would be allowed to buy commercial fishing permits, buy commercial fishing vessels, or make capital improvements to vessels or processing facilities. Operating loans would be allowed to pay to operate and maintain fishing vessels and fish processing facilities. The bill would add definitions for key terms and require the Secretary to do outreach and coordinate with NOAA within one year to integrate these businesses into USDA programs.

Farm Credit for seafood suppliers

If enacted, Farm Credit Banks and Production Credit Associations would be allowed to lend to businesses that furnish services directly related to the operating needs of aquatic producers and harvesters. This would let service providers who support fishing and mariculture access Farm Credit loans and related services. The change would take effect upon enactment.

Local grants cover wild seafood

If enacted, the Farmers' Market and Local Food Promotion Program would include wild-caught fish and shellfish as eligible commodities. Domestic seafood marketing would be an eligible activity under the program. The Secretary could waive or reduce matching fund requirements for grant recipients engaged in commercial fishing or fish processing. These changes would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Murkowski, Lisa [R-AK]

AK • R

Cosponsors

  • Sen. King, Angus S., Jr. [I-ME]

    ME • I

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Sen. Sullivan, Dan [R-AK]

    AK • R

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Sen. Merkley, Jeff [D-OR]

    OR • D

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

  • Sen. Collins, Susan M. [R-ME]

    ME • R

    Sponsored 3/26/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation