Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX) and other members of Congress from major cotton-producing states urge the U.S. Trade Representative to secure permanent reductions or elimination of India’s trade barriers to U.S. cotton as part of ongoing trade negotiations. ACSA looks forward to work with USTR and Congress to make sure U.S. cotton can compete fairly in the international marketplace.
Author: Caroline Berry
BACA Coalition Letter
A large and diverse coalition of cotton industry stakeholders — including the American Cotton Shippers Association (ACSA) — has sent a letter to Members of the U.S. House of Representatives urging them to co-sponsor the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA).
The letter, signed by organizations representing the full cotton supply chain — from producers and merchants to brands and retailers — demonstrates broad, unified support for this important legislation. This unified show of support underscores the industry’s commitment to policies that bolster U.S. cotton competitiveness, support American agriculture, and reinforce the integrity of domestic supply chains.
ACSA Update: The Week Ahead
Please use the link below for a glance at the upcoming events for the week of February 23.
Laura DiBella Designated as Chairman of FMC
President Trump designated Laura DiBella as Chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) following her recent swearing-in and Senate confirmation as a commissioner. As Chairman and the FMC’s chief executive, Ms. DiBella will lead the agency’s oversight of the international ocean transportation.
Buying American Cotton Act
The Buying American Cotton Act (BACA) has now been introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, marking an important milestone in ACSA’s effort to strengthen long-term demand for U.S.-grown cotton and U.S.-manufactured cotton products. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation reinforces cotton’s role across the global supply chain while aligning economic strength with environmental and public health priorities.
Member engagement is critical as BACA moves forward. We encourage all members to contact their Members of Congress and urge them to support the Buying American Cotton Act.
Take Action & Learn More
- BACA Industry Overview – Overview of the legislation and how it works
- Current Senate Sponsors of BACA – View Senators supporting the legislation
- Current House Sponsors of BACA – View House Members supporting the legislation
- Find Your Member of Congress – Identify and contact your Representative and Senators
- Sample Language to Send to Congress – Ready-to-use outreach text for member engagement
Sample Outreach Language
Members and industry colleagues may use or adapt the language below when contacting congressional offices:
Dear [Member],
I am writing to encourage your support for the Buying American Cotton Act (BACA), bipartisan legislation that strengthens demand for U.S.-grown cotton and supports the full U.S. cotton supply chain.
With continued economic uncertainty facing rural communities, Congress should advance policies that provide long-term stability for American agriculture. I respectfully urge you to support BACA and consider joining as a sponsor.
Thank you,
[Name]
Stay Up-To-Date
ACSA will remain actively engaged as the Buying American Cotton Act moves forward, providing timely updates and advocacy resources along the way. Follow us on X at https://x.com/CottonShippers for the most up-to-date information.
Seasonal Ag CDL Modernization Act
ACSA is urging support for S. 2909, the Seasonal Ag CDL Modernization Act. The bill would allow online renewal of restricted CDLs, align federal definitions of “implements of husbandry” with existing FMCSA policy, and reduce compliance burdens for rural seasonal drivers, while maintaining all current safety requirements.
CCC Cotton Storage Deficit Area
The USDA has designated Missouri and Texas as storage deficit areas for the 2025-crop Cotton Marketing Assistance Loan program. ACSA will continue to monitor these developments.
CORCA Coalition Letter
ACSA joined 90 companies and trade associations in signing a coalition letter urging congressional leaders to swiftly pass the Combating Organized Retail Crime Act (CORCA), underscoring the broad industry support behind strengthening supply chain security. As cotton moves from raw fiber to finished goods, it is critical our product moves safely and expeditiously through the supply chain.
ACSA Supports STB Nominations
ACSA joined leading agricultural organizations in urging the Senate Commerce Committee to confirm Michelle Schultz and Richard Kloster to the Surface Transportation Board. Both nominees bring critical experience and leadership needed to maintain reliable, competitive freight rail service. Their confirmation will help ensure continued efficiency and stability across the rail network that supports American export markets.
Selig Nomination for CFTC Chairman
Over the weekend, President Trump selected Michael Selig as his nominee for Chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC), pending Senate confirmation. Selig currently serves as Chief Counsel for the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Crypto Task Force. Although Selig’s nomination has not been formally announced by the White House, see White House Crypto Czar David Sacks post on X here, and Selig’s post here.
