Clay Higgins

Higgins, Nehls Legislation to Protect American Shrimpers from Taxpayer-Funded Foreign Competition Passes House - Congressman Clay Higgins

Position: Congressman Higgins supports legislation to prevent U.S. taxpayer funding from subsidizing foreign shrimp farming and processing that competes with domestic shrimpers.

May 13, 2026 | Media, Press Releases, Seafood WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after the House passed H.R. 2071, the Save Our Shrimpers Act. Higgins introduced the bill in March 2025 alongside Rep. Troy Nehls (R-TX). The legislation directs the United States to oppose taxpayer-funded projects that bankroll foreign shrimp farming and processing. Read the bill text here. “Domestic shrimpers have been undercut by foreign competitors who often receive U.S. taxpayer dollars by way of international financial institutions. This legislation orders an end to American subsidization of foreign seafood production,” said Rep. Higgins. “I will not stop fighting for Louisiana agriculture. If I had full control, I’d stop all or most imported seafood and rice. One day at a time though, we’re winning because we’re in the fight.” Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) spoke on the House Floor Tuesday evening, celebrating this year’s... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Troy Carter (D-LA) penned a letter to U.S. Trade Representative... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri...

Higgins Leads Effort to Initiate Investigation into Foreign Seafood Importers Engaging in Harmful Trade Practices - Congressman Clay Higgins

Position: Congressman Higgins and Congressman Carter urge the U.S. Trade Representative to initiate a Section 301 investigation into unfair trade practices by foreign seafood importers, including labor abuses, false labeling, and subsidies, to protect the domestic seafood industry and level the competitive playing field.

May 12, 2026 | Media, Press Releases, Seafood WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressmen Clay Higgins (R-LA) and Troy Carter (D-LA) penned a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Ambassador Jamieson Greer urging a Section 301 investigation into unfair practices affecting trade in seafood products. Read the full letter here. Foreign seafood importers engaging in unfair trade practices, such as labor abuses and false labeling, have contributed to a significant decline in the domestic seafood industry. A Section 301 investigation offers an important tool for correcting trade imbalances and ensuring fair competition across the seafood sector. The Members wrote, “Consistent with the Executive Order and your stated intent, we respectfully request that the Office of the United States Trade Representative (“USTR”) initiate a broad Section 301 investigation into unfair acts, policies, and practices affecting trade in seafood and seafood products… a Section 301 investigation encompassing a broad spectrum of unfair practices, including false labeling and species designations, the abuse of banned antibiotics and fungicides in aquaculture, export and production subsidies, environmental harm, structural excess capacity, labor abuses, and permissive standards with respect to gear usage, would allow the Administration to effectively leverage access to our market to improve conditions overseas and level the playing field for the American seafood industry within its own domestic market.” “Because of the breadth and complexity of these challenges, we encourage the USTR to pursue a seafood-specific Section 301 investigation that examines all unfair acts, policies, and practices across the full seafood supply chain from countries including, but not limited to: Argentina, Canada, Chile, China, Ecuador, Egypt, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Spain, Thailand, and Vietnam, ” The Members continued. The letter is supported by several seafood industry associations, including the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the Southern Shrimp Alliance, and the Catfish Farmers of America. Richard Fontenot, President of Louisiana Farm Bureau, said, “Time and again I hear from Louisiana Farm Bureau members who have a simple request of their lawmakers: help us do business on a level playing field. Congressmen Carter and Congressman Higgins clearly have heard that plea and are raising their voices for us in a big way. We appreciate them calling on USTR to initiate a Section 301 investigation on seafood and we join them in this request to give our crawfish farmers, shrimpers, and other seafood producers a fighting chance.” Blake Price, Director of the Southern Shrimp Alliance, said, “The U.S. shrimp industry is grateful to Congressmen Clay Higgins and Troy Carter for spearheading a Congressional request to the United States Trade Representative to launch a Section 301 investigation — one that can comprehensively address the unfair acts, policies, and practices harming American seafood producers. "We ask the Trump Administration to seize this opportunity to address unfair trade practices, eliminate unsafe imports, and level the longstanding unfair playing field for American producers. Under fair market conditions, American shrimpers can sustainably harvest tens of millions of additional pounds of shrimp each year — preserving a way of life for fishing families and boosting coastal economies from Texas to North Carolina." Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) spoke on the House Floor Tuesday evening, celebrating this year’s... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) issued a statement after the House passed H.R. 2071, the Save Our... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri...

Higgins Introduces Legislation to Close “Made in America” Loophole in Law Enforcement Body Armor - Congressman Clay Higgins

Position: The representatives support legislation requiring that body armor sold to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies labeled as 'Made in America' must contain domestically produced ballistic fibers, closing a loophole that currently allows foreign-made fibers to be used while the product is marketed as American-made.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri Biggs (R-SC) today introduced the Ballistic Armor Made in America Act, legislation that ensures body armor sold to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies as “Made in America” actually contains domestically produced ballistic fibers. Under current law, armor containing foreign-made fibers can be marketed and sold to law enforcement as “Made in America” without agencies and police departments knowing the difference. While the Department of War (DOW) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) already prohibit the use of foreign fibers for warfighters and front-line personnel, the bill would extend those same protections to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and state and local law enforcement. Read the text here. Rep. Higgins said, “Federal law enforcement should wear ballistic armor made in America, not China. This is a national security issue, as well as a matter of integrity in government procurement. As chairman of the Oversight Subcommittee on Federal Law Enforcement, I will continue to stand with the Thin Blue Line.” Rep. Harrigan said, “Law enforcement officers are buying body armor they believe is made in America, and in too many cases, they are wrong. Chinese fibers are being woven into these products, stamped with a Made in America label, and sold to the men and women who put their lives on the line every day. That is a national security risk, and a betrayal of the people protecting this country. This bill ends it. Full transparency on where these fibers come from, and not a single federal dollar going to armor that does not meet the standard.” Rep. Biggs said, “I am proud to join Congressman Higgins and Congressman Harrigan on this important effort to make sure the armor protecting our law enforcement officers is American-made. The men and women who put their lives on the line every day deserve gear they can trust. This bill closes a dangerous loophole, strengthens our supply chain, and keeps taxpayer dollars from supporting foreign adversaries like China.” Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) was recently celebrated for achieving a 100%...

Higgins Urges Oversight Committee to Rescind Bondi Subpoena - Congressman Clay Higgins

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging the rescission of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s subpoena to former Attorney General Pam Bondi. “After the cooperative briefing delivered by former Attorney General Pam Bondi and careful consideration of the totality of circumstances surrounding our investigative work, I recommend the immediate rescission of the subpoena issued pursuant to Congresswoman Nancy Mace’s motion during the Committee Hearing on March 4, 2026,” wrote Congressman Higgins. “Our Committee’s investigation has made measurable progress through legitimate legislative oversight, and we are pursuing the truth judiciously. The former Attorney General’s in person, voluntary briefing to Committee was forthcoming and demonstrated the Executive’s willingness to work with Congress in good faith,” continued the letter. “It is my considered opinion that the subpoena is not required, and in fact is injurious to our oversight mission.” Read the full letter here. Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) was recently celebrated for achieving a 100%...

Higgins Calls for Major Reforms to Army Corps Civil Works Mission - Congressman Clay Higgins

Position: Congressman Higgins calls for major reforms to the Army Corps of Engineers' civil works mission, arguing that the agency is inefficiently managing appropriated funds through excessive studies and environmental reviews that delay construction projects. He proposes using executive authorities to streamline permitting and empower non-federal sponsors to accelerate project delivery without new spending.

Apr 1, 2026 | Infrastructure, Issues, Press Releases, Water Management WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) released the following statement on his ongoing efforts to demand performance and accountability from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). “The Army Corps is hoarding tens of billions of dollars that have been appropriated and allocated but remain unspent. The current model feeds study after study, while projects get delayed, construction costs increase, and navigation benefits and flood protection go undelivered. It’s a broken model, and I’m committed to forcing change,” said Congressman Higgins. In October of 2025, Congressman Higgins delivered a white paper to the White House and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), outlining proposed reforms to the USACE’s civil works mission. Congressman Higgins cites the Vermilion River, Morganza to the Gulf, and Southwest Coastal Louisiana projects as examples of USACE’s bureaucratic delays limiting construction. Read the full white paper here. The white paper reads, “In the region I represent, the USACE is holding approximately $725 million in previously appropriated funds – some of which were initiated by Congress more than four years ago. Despite construction having been authorized long ago, these projects are being held up by USACE’s insistence on additional studies and environmental review.” “These delays are injurious to our nation – perpetuating cost overruns, preventing important mitigation work, and jeopardizing economic benefits from proper maintenance of our water resources,” the proposal continues. “President Trump should use existing authorities to waive regulatory burdens and empower non-federal sponsors on USACE projects. I believe we can use executive authorities to unleash the largest construction endeavor in our nation’s history, rivaling that of the Works Progress Administration, without any new spending.” Congressman Higgins added, “My office has engaged the Army Corps and the administration directly to seek significant reforms. However, the Corps’ Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork initiative, announced in February, falls short.” “As we move forward with the FY27 appropriations process, I will not be using our limited number of community funding projects to send additional dollars to the Corps. They have a failing record of performance, and my office will continue to demand accountability. We’re seeking reforms that empower non-federal project sponsors and prioritize construction using previously appropriated funds,” concluded Congressman Higgins. Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging...

Higgins Supports $203M in GOMESA Revenue for Louisiana - Congressman Clay Higgins

Position: Congressman Higgins supports the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) revenue-sharing program and credits legislation he voted for that increased the annual revenue-sharing cap from $500 million to $650 million, resulting in higher energy revenues for Louisiana coastal restoration and mitigation efforts.

Mar 31, 2026 | Energy & the Environment, Infrastructure, Media, Press Releases LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) released a statement following the Department of the Interior’s (DOI) announcement of a record $460.9 million in energy revenue to the Gulf states, with more than $203.7 million being delivered to Louisiana. The State will administer $162,989,700.89, and additional funds will be distributed across 19 parishes. Parishes in Louisiana’s 3rd District will receive the following disbursements: Congressman Higgins voted for The Working Families Tax Cut, which included language to raise the annual Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) revenue-sharing cap from $500 million to $650 million. As a result of the new law, Louisiana’s share of energy revenues was about $47 million higher for fiscal year 2025. “My office has long-supported GOMESA and worked with other members of the Louisiana delegation to expand revenue-sharing for our state. The program is a crucial funding mechanism for coastal restoration and mitigation efforts,” said Rep. Higgins. “Because of the Working Families Tax Cut, Louisiana is seeing a record distribution of offshore energy revenues to be invested back into our coastal communities.” Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging...

Higgins Introduces Legislation Establishing Homeland Defense Service Ribbon for National Guard - Congressman Clay Higgins

Mar 30, 2026 | In the News, Law & Crime, Media, Veterans WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) introduced H.R. 8131, the National Guard Homeland Defense Service Ribbon Act. This bill establishes a nationally recognized service ribbon to honor members of the National Guard who perform homeland defense duties under Title 32 authorities, such as those mobilized to restore law and order in American cities and assist federal efforts to secure the Southern border. Read the bill text here. In Washington D.C. alone, the presence of the National Guard led to a 32% decline in homicides, a 10% decline in assaults with dangerous weapons, and a 37% decline in robberies in 2025 compared with the same period the previous year. Nationwide, Guard presence has been associated with the most significant one-year drop in homicides on record, and large declines in major crimes and opioid related deaths. “President Trump’s decision to mobilize the National Guard in crime-riddled cities across America has delivered measurable results for the restoration of order. These Guardsmen deserve recognition for the American lives they have saved and crimes they have prevented,” said Rep. Higgins. “This legislation ensures their service is honored with dignity and visibility.” Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging...

Higgins Introduces Legislation Recognizing Utility Line Technicians as First Responders - Congressman Clay Higgins

Mar 19, 2026 | Media, Press Releases WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) reintroduced H.R. 7996, the Linemen Legacy Act, which would include utility line technicians under the Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) definition of “emergency response providers.” The bill would properly recognize the role of utility line technicians in the aftermath of natural disasters. Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) is co-leading the bipartisan legislation. “Utility linemen perform heroic work after natural disasters. We see this firsthand in Louisiana, as linemen work tirelessly for weeks to restore power to our state after a major hurricane,” said Rep. Higgins. “Our bill both honors linemen and streamlines storm recovery efforts by enhancing the Stafford Act definition of first responders.” "The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) proudly endorses the Lineman Legacy Act, introduced by Representatives Clay Higgins and Donald Norcross. When disaster strikes, electrical contractors and their linemen are among the first on the ground, working around the clock to restore power and keep communities safe. They run toward danger while others are told to stay away and federal law should reflect that reality," said Marco Giamberardino, NECA Chief Communications Officer. "This bipartisan legislation delivers long-overdue recognition to the men and women who risk their lives to restore our grid in the wake of hurricanes, winter storms, and other emergencies. NECA commends Representatives Higgins and Norcross for honoring the safety risks linemen face every day and urges swift passage of this meaningful legislation." Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging...

Higgins Advocates for Crawfish Industry Amidst Workforce Challenges - Congressman Clay Higgins

Position: Congressman Higgins advocates for executive-branch solutions to address H-2B visa processing delays and bureaucratic complications affecting Louisiana's crawfish industry workforce, calling for immediate action from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor.

Mar 14, 2026 | Agriculture, Press Releases LAFAYETTE, LA – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) released the following statement on efforts to address workforce challenges facing Louisiana’s crawfish industry. “Many of Louisiana’s crawfish processors are facing significant workforce shortages due to complications involving legal immigrant temporary employee visas. Historically, seasonal workers and the visa system that allows them to be legally employed in America is fraught with controversy and bureaucratic uncertainty. Guidance from the Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor regarding supplemental H-2B visas failed to account for the unique seasonality and 2025 “start dates” used by some H-2B employers in Louisiana’s crawfish industry. We have been working to address this issue with the Executive Branch, proposing solutions and directly engaging DHS and DOL at the highest levels. My office will continue to advocate for an immediate solution from the Executive Branch.” Timeline and Background: Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging...

Higgins Advocates for Fort Polk During House Armed Services Committee Hearing - Congressman Clay Higgins

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) addressed ongoing efforts to improve facilities at Fort Polk during a recent House Armed Services Subcommittee hearing. During the hearing, Congressman Higgins requested an update on the rotational unit billeting construction project at Louisiana’s Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) and Fort Polk. There is currently a 5,000-bed deficit at Fort Polk, resulting in many servicemembers being housed in substandard facilities. Rep. Higgins said: “So, Mr. Gillis, what is the Army's current timeline and funding plan to construct a rotational unit billeting area at JRTC and close the existing bed deficit, and how will you leverage contracting, progressive design build, modern stuff, and other authorities at your disposal, sir, to reduce costs and accelerate completion?” Watch Congressman Higgins' full line of questioning here. Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy, and Environment Jordan Gillis confirmed the Army’s intention to finish the project in the near future and invited Congressman Higgins to a ribbon-cutting when they begin the construction. Signup to receive our Email Newsletters WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA), Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC), and Congresswoman Sheri... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) announced the approval of Federal... WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) delivered a letter to Chairman James Comer, urging...