[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 185 (Thursday, December 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2963]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             INTRODUCTION OF SMALL BREWERS' EXCISE TAX BILL

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 10, 2009

  Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
legislation to promote American jobs. Over 30 years ago, Congress 
worried that a few industry giants would dominate the domestic beer 
industry, squeezing out local and regional brewers. In response, 
Congress reduced the tax rate on beer produced by small brewers. That 
differential has led to the creation of thousands of craft brewers, who 
are small business owners and employers in our communities. However, 
the consolidation at the top of the market has continued.


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  December 10, 2009 on Page E2963 the following appeared: Mr. 
NEAL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to
  
  The online version should be corrected to read: Mr. NEAL of 
Massachusetts. Madam Speaker, I rise today to


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  Today, the two top players in the beer market, which are global 
companies, control more than 90% of American beer production. Clearly, 
we need to do more to foster and promote growth for these small, 
independent American brewers. That is why I am filing legislation 
today, along with my Committee colleague and friend from Texas, Mr. 
Brady, to provide a more graduated rate of excise tax on beer produced 
domestically by small brewers. Our bill provides two benefits to small 
brewers. First, for those who produce less than 60,000 barrels per 
year, the current excise tax rate is cut in half to $3.50 per barrel. 
Second, for those who produce more than 60,000 but less than 6 million 
barrels, still well short of the industry giants, they will enjoy the 
same tax break on the first 60,000 barrels but will pay a tax rate of 
$16 per barrel rather than the current $18 per barrel on the amount 
over 60,000 and less than 2 million. Any barrel over that threshold 
will continue to be taxed at the current $18 rate.
  This legislation has the support of the Brewers Association, 
representing more than 1,500 small and independent brewers in America, 
including 85 regional breweries that produce between 15,000 and 2 
million barrels per year, 470 microbreweries that produce less than 
15,000 barrels per year, and 961 brewpubs that sell 25% or more of 
their beer on site. These small brewers employ more than 100,000 
workers, generating more than $3 billion in wages. Their dedication to 
craft brewing has led to a renaissance in flavorful beer here in 
America and more respect for American brewers abroad. However, they 
still lack the economies of scale in marketing, advertising, 
production, promotion and distribution that the giants of the industry 
enjoy.
  As the landscape of the beer market continues to change, we should 
revisit these tax provisions to provide for further growth of these 
smaller brewers. We should continue the effort we started more than 30 
years ago to nurture a diverse and competitive market and promote small 
domestic producers to keep this American industry thriving. These are 
good jobs in our local communities that protect American craftsmanship. 
I urge our colleagues to join us in this effort.

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