[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 82 (Tuesday, May 24, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Page S3103]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 473--EXPRESSING APPRECIATION OF THE GOALS OF AMERICAN 
CRAFT BEER WEEK AND COMMENDING THE SMALL AND INDEPENDENT CRAFT BREWERS 
                          OF THE UNITED STATES

  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:

                              S. Res. 473

       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.

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