Recognizing the Repeal of Prohibition

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the repeal of prohibition. On this day in 1933, the 21st Amendment was ratified, ending the prohibition of alcohol.

Today, throughout Pennsylvania, breweries, wineries, and distilleries have become one of the Commonwealth's fastest growing industries, and quite frankly, agri-businesses. Pennsylvania is home to more than 300 wineries, which produce more than 1.6 million gallons of wine each year. This equates to roughly $1.4 billion in economic impact.

Recently, Woody Lodge Winery, a disabled veteran and female-owned business from Cambria County, racked up six awards at the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association competition, including two best-in-category awards.

The craft beer industry is also booming. Each year, craft brewers pump nearly $6 billion into Pennsylvania's economy and are responsible for more than 100,000 jobs and generate $2.2 billion in wages. For the past three years, Pennsylvania has been the number one producer of craft beer in the Nation.

As we look back on 13 long years of prohibition in this country, let's raise a glass to how far we have come in the 86 years since.

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