[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 88 (Tuesday, July 11, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1197]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1197]]



                      THE TEXAS SHRIMP ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 11, 2000

  Mr. 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.
  During the 50-year history of the TSA, it concentrated its energies 
on becoming leaders in U.S. fisheries. The growth has benefitted many 
more people than those associated with the shrimping industry; the 
industry overcame enormous challenges to contribute over $600 million 
annually to the Texas economy.
  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.
  The TSA board conducts a host of efforts to ensure the continued 
vitality of the shrimp harvesting industry. These efforts include: 
monitoring legislative activity in Austin and Washington where 
regulations are written that govern the industry, monitoring the Gulf 
of Mexico Fishery Management Council and the National Marine Fisheries 
Service and other agencies with regulatory authority over the industry, 
and working with the International Trade Commission to protect the 
industry.
  TSA also works closely with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department 
on activities that enhance our state's fishery resources. It monitors 
and responds to permit applications that affect wetlands, bays and 
estuaries, water quality and other environmental concerns. TSA is a 
group of hard-working, dedicated people.
  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.

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