Rand Paul: “I was planning to offer an amendment to the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill preventing tax dollars from going to…”

“I was planning to offer an amendment to the Foreign Operations Appropriations Bill preventing tax dollars from going to the domestic shrimping industry's major foreign competitors. However, I have been informed that this amendment would be ruled out of order by the parliamentarian as legislating on an appropriations bill. While I am disappointed the House will not consider my amendment, I do wish to take this opportunity to comment on the merits of my amendment, which is based on language contained in my Shrimp Importation Financing Fairness Act. The United States domestic shrimping industry is a vital social and economic force in many coastal communities across the United States, including several in my congressional district. A thriving shrimping industry benefits not only those who own and operate shrimp boats, but, also, food processors, hotels and restaurants, grocery stores, and all those who work in and service these industries. Shrimping also serves as a key source of safe domestic food at a time when the nation is engaged in hostilities abroad. However, the Federal Government is strangling this vital industry with excessive regulations.”