[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 113 (Thursday, August 1, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1201]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    INTRODUCTION OF THE CIDER INDUSTRY DESERVES EQUAL REGULATION OR 
                             ``CIDER'' ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 1, 2013

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing bipartisan 
legislation--the ``Cider Industry Deserves Equal Regulation,'' or 
``CIDER,'' Act--to update the provisions of the tax code that relate to 
the cider industry.
  Across the country, cidermakers large and small are developing their 
craft, establishing businesses and brands, and providing new markets 
for our nation's apple and pear orchards. As they pursue this work; 
they do so in an uncertain tax and regulatory environment, one where 
slight variations in the fermenting process can cause them to run afoul 
of narrow tax and alcohol regulatory rules. Congress, by enacting this 
legislation, would support this growing industry and ensure that it is 
treated fairly by regulatory agencies.
  During the fermentation process a variety of factors can lead to 
small changes in the composition of a cider's alcohol content and 
carbonation. Because of the narrow way that hard cider is currently 
defined in the tax code, these small variations can lead to cider being 
taxed at a rate fifteen times higher than what the statute clearly 
intended. This legislation would broaden this definition to include 
pear as well as apple cider and would greatly reduce the chance that 
improper taxation would occur. The legislation also aligns the US cider 
definitions more closely with global definitions for these products, 
and helps ensure that American-made cider is competitive on 
international markets.
  I look forward to working with my colleagues to support the American 
cider industry.

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