Credit: Duane Raver

August 12, 2021 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Sens. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), and Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) today praised Senate passage of their resolution to designate August 2021 as National Catfish Month. The resolution recognizes the importance of catfish farmers and workers, and commends the contributions of the farm-raised catfish industry to the economy.

(Left) Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas)

Upon final passage, Sen. Cruz said:

"I am proud to join my colleagues on this resolution recognizing the value of catfish to Texas producers and the state economy. Texas has always played a leading role in innovation and conservation for the farm-raised catfish industry, and I look forward to highlighting this rich history every August with National Catfish Month."

Sen. Wicker said:

"Catfish is a source of pride for Mississippi and a big part of our state's economy. Farm-raised catfish is wholesome, delicious, and already accounts for more than 50 percent of the United States' aquaculture industry. Designating the month of August as National Catfish Month recognizes the impact of catfish producers and helps to share this pride with the rest of the nation."

Sen. Rev. Warnock said:

"As a voice for all of Georgia's farmers including our catfish producers and workers, I am proud to recognize August as National Catfish Month in observance of the commitment and dedication of our producers across the state who provide nutritious and great-tasting catfish to families in Georgia and beyond. From our producers in Hawkinsville, to Lizella, to White Oak and all across Georgia, we are grateful for the service of our catfish producers and their contributions to our state's agricultural and economic success."

Sen. Boozman said:

"Farm-raised catfish not only makes for a great meal, it also supports thousands of jobs and contributes millions of dollars in economic activity for Arkansas. As the birthplace of warm water aquaculture our producers are resilient, experienced and mostly family-owned operations that do a tremendous job meeting consumers' needs. I'm proud to join my colleagues to mark National Catfish Month and celebrate the entire industry."

Sen. Cotton said:

"Arkansas fish farmers raise the highest quality catfish available in the world-and they work hard to do so. Our producers not only provide a classic and delicious protein for Americans around the country, but they also create jobs. I'm proud to support this bill to recognize all U.S. catfish farmers and workers."

Sen. Hyde-Smith said:

"Farm-raised Catfish production is a standout industry for Mississippi - consistently ranking first in the nation - as it stokes our state's economy and helps to feed our entire nation. Mississippians take pride in the quality of our farm-raised catfish, and designating August as ‘National Catfish Month' is a way to recognize and commend our farmers, processors and workers for the major role they play in our national aquaculture industry."

Sen. Tuberville added:

"Catfish producers play a large role in our state's agricultural economy, in fact Alabama's catfish industry has a hand in producing more than 30 percent of all catfish nationwide. From catfish producers to consumers, Alabamians are proud to be a vital part of this industry. I'm proud to join my Senate colleagues in recognizing National Catfish Month."

Read the full text of their resolution here.
Source: Senator Ted Cruz