H.R.512 - Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.512, the "Imported Seafood Safety Standards Act," aims to establish a fund to promote the inspection and consumption of shrimp and shrimp products. The fund would be sourced from 70% of duties collected on imported shrimp and shrimp products. These funds would be split, with 50% allocated to the Department of Health and Human Services for inspection and enforcement and 50% to the Department of Agriculture to encourage domestic consumption of shrimp.
Expected Effects
The Act would increase inspection and testing of imported shrimp for contamination and forced labor. It would also increase domestic consumption of shrimp through USDA programs. This could lead to safer seafood for consumers and support for the domestic shrimp industry.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced seafood safety through increased inspections.
- Support for the domestic shrimp industry by encouraging consumption.
- Combating forced labor in the seafood supply chain.
- Improved data sharing and coordination among federal agencies.
- Potential for increased consumer confidence in shrimp products.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for increased costs to consumers due to tariffs.
- Possible trade disputes with countries exporting shrimp to the U.S.
- The fund's reliance on import duties makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in trade volume.
- The Act may not fully address all sources of seafood contamination.
- Potential administrative overhead in managing the fund and its distribution.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to align with the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate international trade. The establishment of a fund and the allocation of resources to federal agencies fall under Congress's power to appropriate funds for the general welfare. The focus on inspection and safety also aligns with the government's responsibility to protect public health.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).