Recognizing America's Brewers

Floor Speech

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Mr. KELLY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate our country's brewers.

This week, some of America's 7,000 beer brewers and importers are in our nation's capital as part of the Beer Institute's beer jobs showcase. They are meeting with lawmakers to discuss how they're creating more than 2.1 million good-paying jobs and generating $328 billion in economic activity.

One beer job contributes to 31 more in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, trucking and restaurants.

Every congressional district is home to a brewery. My home state of Pennsylvania has a rich history with brewing that dates all the way back to the 1600s. Currently, we have more than 500 breweries that employ 77,000 people.

That's why I'm proud to have co-authored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act with my friend and colleague Congressman Ron Kind of Wisconsin. Today, H.R. 1175 has 288 cosponsors.

Our bipartisan bill would provide permanent federal excise tax relief to America's brewers and beer importers, ensuring they have the resources to reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate. The federal excise tax cut was enacted in 2017, but it is set to expire at the end of the year. By extending this tax relief, brewers can continue to invest, produce and create America's favorite beers.

Brewers across our nation exemplify the American dream and our country's spirit of entrepreneurship. As Americans, let's raise a glass to our beer-making heritage.

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