H.R. 9312 aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to classify the processing of crawfish as agricultural labor or services. This change would likely facilitate the hiring of foreign workers in the crawfish processing industry, recognizing it as an essential agricultural activity.
Supporters of H.R. 9312 argue that this bill is a necessary step to support the crawfish industry, which is crucial for the economy in certain regions, particularly in the South. They highlight that by officially recognizing crawfish processing as agricultural labor, it will help address labor shortages and ensure the industry's sustainability.
Critics of H.R. 9312 express concerns that the bill could lead to an over-reliance on foreign labor, potentially displacing local workers. There are also worries that it might set a precedent for other industries seeking similar classifications, which could complicate immigration policy and labor market dynamics.
The analysis of H.R. 9312, which aims to amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to include crawfish processing as agricultural labor, shows no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor Troy Carter's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter. The top donors primarily represent sectors such as labor unions and independent laboratories, which do not have a direct stake in agricultural labor related to crawfish processing. The lobbying activity associated with the bill includes contributions from various organizations, with Upstate Niagara Cooperative and Agri-Mark each contributing $10,000. However, these contributions do not indicate a direct conflict as they are not primarily focused on crawfish or agricultural labor issues. Overall, the risk of conflict of interest appears low due to the lack of direct financial ties to the specific subject of the bill.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN SUBCONTRACTOR ASSOCIATION | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | $30,000 |
| STREET GRACE | ASCEND CONSULTING | $30,000 |
| FCA INTERNATIONAL | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | $25,000 |
| AMERICAN COUNCIL OF INDEPENDENT LABORATORIES | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | $20,000 |
| FINISHING TRADES INSTITUTE OF THE MID ATLANTIC REGION | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | $15,000 |
| STEAMFITTERS LOCAL 420 | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | $12,000 |
| UPSTATE NIAGARA COOPERATIVE, INC. | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | $10,000 |
| AGRI-MARK, INC | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | $10,000 |
| 3STRANDS GLOBAL FOUNDATION | ASCEND CONSULTING | $10,000 |
| CHRISTIAN CAMP AND CONFERENCE ASSOCIATION | ASCEND CONSULTING | $10,000 |
| BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS INDEPENDENCE REGION | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | undisclosed |
| EKLUTNA, INC | EKLUTNA, INC. | undisclosed |
| CARPENTERS' COMPANY OF THE CITY AND COUNTY OF PHILADELPHIA | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | undisclosed |
| NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION - PENN-DEL-JERSEY CHAPTER | OSCAR POLICY GROUP, LLC | undisclosed |
| INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DRILLING CONTRACTORS | INTERNATIONAL ASSOCATION OF DRILLING CONTRACTORS | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
