The Texas Shrimp Association

Representative Solomon P. Ortiz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the Texas Shrimp Association on the occasion of its golden anniversary. On August 6, 1950, the Texas Shrimp Association was born out of necessity; its industry was on the verge of extinction.

The Federal Food and Drug Administration was prepared to utterly reform the industry; it was given the ultimatum 'clean up or be cleaned up.' While fear motivated the Association at its infancy, safety, customer satisfaction, and superior businesses became the focus of the Texas Shrimp Association (TSA) as it grew with the 20th Century.

Life has never been easy for those who cast their nets for shrimp. Shrimping is hard, dangerous, dirty, and many times lonely. The TSA has faced legal and regulatory changes that often prove to be difficult, although the waters of the Gulf of Mexico are more treacherous than the waters of Washington.

Through it all, it is primarily about education…the education of consumers, of lawmakers at the state and national levels, the press, environmental groups, and the public at large. It is part of a market expansion and consumer education program in conjunction with the Texas A&M University system, through which it is developing strategies related to consumer preference for domestic shrimp, and promoting quality assurance programs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in commending the men and women of the Texas Shrimp Association for the hard work it does on the 50th anniversary of its founding.

[Taken from the Congressional Record, 11 July 2000, page E1197.]