Congresswoman Elaine Luria Urges Further Relief for Aquaculture and Seafood Industries

September 14, 2020
Press Release

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Elaine Luria released a letter she sent to Congressional leadership urging them to include robust funding for the aquaculture and seafood industries in upcoming COVID-19 relief legislation.

"Shellfish growers make up more than 80% of Virginia’s aquaculture industry and face unique barriers since most of their products are sold in restaurants rather than grocery stores. As a result, shellfish growers have faced and will continue to experience exceptionally high losses,” said Congresswoman Luria. “This issue impacts hardworking waterman, small businesses, restaurants, and wholesale distributors. We can and must do more to support economic recovery, and I urge Congressional leadership to include additional and robust funding for the aquaculture and seafood industries."

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Congresswoman Luria has been a strong voice for the aquaculture and seafood industries, helping to secure $300 million for the fishery and aquaculture industries in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. When the aid was slow to be distributed, Congresswoman Luria called on Secretary Wilbur Ross to rapidly distribute the funds authorized in that crucial bill.

Click here to read the full letter.

 
Congresswoman Elaine Luria represents Virginia’s 2nd Congressional District. She serves on the House Armed Services Committee, where she is the Vice Chair of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, and the House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, where she serves as Chair of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee.
Issues: 
Economy