Be it Resolved: That the Senate commends the craft brewers of the United States.

114TH CONGRESS

2nd SESSION S. RES. 473

Expressing appreciation of the goals of American Craft Beer Week
and commending the small and independent craft brewers of the United States.

______________

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

MAY 24, 2016

Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Ms. COLLINS, Mr. LEAHY,
Ms. AYOTTE, Mr. WYDEN, and Mr. PETERS)
submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to

RESOLUTION

• Whereas American Craft Beer Week is celebrated annually in breweries, brew pubs, restaurants, and beer stores by craft brewers, home brewers, and beer enthusiasts nationwide;
  
  
• Whereas, in 2016, American Craft Beer Week is celebrated from May 16 to May 22;
  
  
• Whereas craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of the entrepreneurial traditions of the United States—

  (1) operating as community-based small businesses and cooperatives;
  
  

  (2) providing employment for more than 120,000 full- and part-time workers;
  
  

  (3) generating annually more than $3,000,000,000 in wages and benefits; and
  
  

  (4) often leading the redevelopment of economically distressed areas;

• Whereas the United States has craft brewers in every State and more than 4,400 craft breweries nationwide, each producing fewer than 6,000,000 barrels of beer annually;
  
  
• Whereas, in 2015, 620 new breweries opened in the United States, creating jobs and improving economic conditions in communities across the United States;
  
  
• Whereas, in 2015, craft breweries in the United States sustainably produced more than 24,500,000 barrels of beer, which is 2,800,000 more barrels than craft breweries produced in 2014;
  
  
• Whereas the craft brewers of the United States now export more than 446,000 barrels of beer and are establishing new markets abroad, which creates more domestic jobs to meet the growing international demand for craft beer from the United States;
  
  
• Whereas the craft brewers of the United States support United States agriculture by purchasing barley, malt, and hops that are grown, processed, and distributed in the United States;
  
  
• Whereas the craft brewers of the United States produce more than 100 distinct styles of flavorful beers, including many sought-after new and unique styles ranging from amber lagers to American IPAs that

  (1) contribute to a favorable balance of trade by reducing the dependence of the United States on imported beers;
  
  

  (2) support exports from the United States; and
  
  

  (3) promote tourism in the United States;

• Whereas craft beers from the United States consistently win international quality and taste awards;
  
  
• Whereas the craft brewers of the United States strive to educate the people of the United States who are of legal drinking age about the differences in beer flavor, aroma, color, alcohol content, body, and other complex variables, the gastronomic qualities of beer, beer history, and historical brewing traditions dating back to colonial times and earlier;
  
  
• Whereas the craft brewers of the United States champion the message of responsible enjoyment to their customers and work within their communities and the industry to prevent alcohol abuse and underage drinking;
  
  
• Whereas the craft brewers of the United States are frequently involved in local communities through philanthropy, volunteerism, and sponsorship opportunities, including parent-teacher associations, Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (commonly known as ‘‘JROTC’’), hospitals for children, chambers of commerce, humane societies, rescue squads, athletic teams, and disease research;
  
  
• Whereas the craft brewers of the United States are fully vested in the future success, health, welfare, and vitality of their communities, as local employers that—

  (1) provide a diverse array of quality local jobs that will not be outsourced;
  
  

  (2) contribute to the local tax base; and
  
  

  (3) keep money in the United States by reinvesting in their businesses; and Whereas increased Federal, State, and local support of craft brewing is important to fostering the continued growth of an industry of the United States that creates jobs, greatly benefits local economies, and brings international accolades to small businesses in the United States:

Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Senate—

(1) appreciates the goals of American Craft Beer Week, established by the Brewers Association, which represents the small craft brewers of the United States;

(2) recognizes the significant contributions of the craft brewers of the United States to the economy and to the communities in which the craft brewers are located; and

(3) commends the craft brewers of the United States for providing jobs, supporting United States agriculture, improving the balance of trade, and educating the people of the United States and beer lovers around the world about the history and culture of beer while promoting the legal and responsible consumption of beer.

Well, then!

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• Full text of Senate Resolution 473: pdf.
• A bipartisan resolution: Ben Cardin is a Democratic Senator from Maryland; Susan Collins, Republican of Maine; Patrick Leahy, Democrat of Vermont; Kelly Ayotte, Republican of New Hampshire; Ron Wyden, Democrat of Oregon, and Sen. Gary Peters, Democrat of Michigan.
• American craft Beer Week (16-22 May 2016): here.
• American Craft Beer Week nationwide toast (19 May 2016): here.


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