[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 59 (Thursday, April 10, 2014)]
[House]
[Page H3189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              WAR ON BRATS

  (Mr. PETRI asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my concern that 
protectionism could one day lead to a ``war on brats.''
  Bratwursts are delicious. They are enjoyed around the world. In 
Wisconsin, we take our brats seriously. But nowhere more so than in the 
Sixth District, which includes the Bratwurst Capital of the World, 
Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
  In 1970, the city of Sheboygan battled Bucyrus, Ohio, for the title 
and won. The battle was ended on August 14, 1970, when Judge John 
Bolgert issued an official decision bestowing the title upon Sheboygan 
and barring all other claimants from using it.
  Unfortunately, this title could soon be under attack. There is 
growing concern that the European Union could consider more geographic 
name restrictions on products including ``kielbasa'' and Wisconsin's 
own ``bratwurst.''
  This is, frankly, getting ridiculous. If anything, we should be 
trademarking the name ``bratwurst,'' not them.
  I am currently circulating a letter urging the U.S. trade 
representatives to reject any attempt to include these provisions in 
further trade negotiations. I strongly urge my colleagues to consider 
signing this letter.

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