[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 113 (Wednesday, August 4, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1740]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TWENTY-FIRST AMENDMENT ENFORCEMENT ACT

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                               speech of

                          HON. DARLENE HOOLEY

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 3, 1999

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 2031) to 
     provide for injunctive relief in Federal district court to 
     enforce State laws relating to the interstate transportation 
     of intoxicating liquor:

  Ms. HOOLEY of Oregon. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my concerns 
about the impact of H.R. 2031 on small family-owned vintners and wine 
producers in my district.
  This issue before us is much more complex than it seems on the 
surface. Of course, teens should not be able to order a case of beer 
from their home computers. Nor should they be able to mail order 
shipments of alcohol to their front door. Because of this, I will 
support this bill.
  But we are voting on much more than this.
  This bill basically states that federal courts might get involved 
when an adult visits a small family owned winery in person and 
purchases wine for their own consumption, then has that wine shipped 
home.
  I see no reason why this transaction--which could still be prosecuted 
in a state court if it violated a state law--should be pushed into the 
federal courts.
  We do not have the resources to use the federal courts to chase such 
violations of state law.
  I hope to introduce stand alone legislation that would address my 
concerns and I ask my colleagues for their support.
  Such an effort would be pro-small business, pro-tourism, and pro-
family farmer.

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