[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9170]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       KENTUCKY BOURBON INDUSTRY

  (Mr. BARR asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BARR. Mr. Speaker, in honor of National Bourbon Day, I rise to 
celebrate Kentucky's signature spirit.
  Kentucky's signature bourbon industry has enjoyed significant growth 
domestically and abroad, creating billions of dollars in economic 
activity and over 9,000 jobs, including thousands in the legendary 
distilleries along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
  Unlike vodka or gin, bourbon is required by law to be stored for at 
least 2 years in charred white oak barrels. However, bourbon distillers 
are unable to deduct their expenses during that unique aging process, 
placing them at a competitive disadvantage in the global marketplace.
  This week, I introduced a bipartisan Aged Distilled Spirits 
Competitiveness Act, which would amend the Tax Code to fix this 
inequality and help level the playing field for Kentucky's signature 
bourbon industry.
  American products can successfully compete with any in the world. 
This House is working overtime to enact policies that will promote 
American competitiveness, remove barriers to job creation, and spur 
this Nation's economy. I am confident that, with the right tax policy, 
we will produce even more growth and job creation for the people of 
Kentucky.

                          ____________________