110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 415 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Whereas throughout American history, alcohol has been consumed by its citizens and regulated by the Government; 

Whereas prior to the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, 

which established Prohibition in the United States, 

abuses and insufficient regulation resulted in irresponsible overconsumption of alcohol; 
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•HCON 415 EH 

Whereas passage of the 18th Amendment, which prohibited 

‘‘the manufacture, sale, or transportation of intoxicating 

liquors’’ in the United States, resulted in a dramatic increase in illegal activity, including unsafe black market 

alcohol production, organized crime, and noncompliance 

with alcohol laws; 

Whereas the platforms of the 2 major political parties in the 

1932 presidential campaigns advocated ending national 

Prohibition by repealing the 18th Amendment; 

Whereas on February 20, 1933, the 2nd Session of the 72nd 

Congress submitted to conventions of the States the 

question of repealing the 18th Amendment and adding 

new language to the Constitution that the transportation 

or importation of alcoholic beverages for delivery or use 

in any State would have to be carried out in compliance 

with the laws of the State; 

Whereas on December 3, 1933, Utah became the 36th State 

to approve what became the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, the quickest-ratified amendment and the only 

ever decided by State conventions, pursuant to article V 

of the Constitution; 

Whereas alcohol is the only product in commerce that has 

been the subject of 2 constitutional amendments; 

Whereas Congress’s reenactment of the Webb-Kenyon Act, 

passage of the Federal Alcohol Administration Act, the 

21st Amendment Enforcement Act, annual appropriations to support State enforcement of underage drinking 

laws, and the STOP Underage Drinking Act demonstrated the longstanding and continuing intent of Congress that States exercise their primary authority to 

achieve temperance, the creation and maintenance of or-
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•HCON 415 EH 

derly and stable markets, and the facilitation of the efficient collection of taxes; 

Whereas legislatures and alcoholic beverage control agencies 

in the 50 States have worked diligently to implement the 

powers granted by the 21st Amendment for 75 years; 

Whereas legislatures and alcoholic beverage control agencies 

in all States created and maintain State-based regulatory 

systems for alcohol distribution made up of producers 

and importers, wholesale distributors, and retailers; 

Whereas development of a transparent and accountable system of distribution and sales, an orderly market, temperance in consumption and safe practices, the efficient collection of taxes, and other essential policies have been 

successfully guided by the collective experience and cooperation of government agencies and licensed industry 

members throughout our geographically and culturally diverse Nation; 

Whereas regulated commerce in alcoholic beverages contributes billions of dollars in Federal and State tax revenues 

and additional billions to the economy annually; 

Whereas 2,500 breweries, distilleries, wineries, and import 

companies, 2,700 wholesale distributor facilities, over 

530,000 retail outlets, and numerous agricultural, packaging, and transportation businesses support the employment of millions of Americans; 

Whereas the American system of State-based alcohol regulation has resulted in a marketplace with unprecedented 

choice, variety, and selection for consumers; 

Whereas members of the licensed alcoholic beverage industry 

have been constant partners with Federal and State Governments in balancing the conduct of competitive busi-
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•HCON 415 EH 

nesses with the need to control alcohol in order to provide 

American consumers with a safe and regulated supply of 

alcoholic beverages; and 

Whereas members of the licensed alcoholic beverage industry 

have created and supported a wide range of national, 

State, and community programs to address problems associated with alcohol abuse, including drunk driving and 

underage drinking: Now, therefore, be it 

1 Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate 

2 concurring), That Congress— 

3 (1) celebrates 75 years of effective State-based 

4 alcohol regulation since the passage of the 21st 

5 Amendment; 

6 (2) recognizes State lawmakers, regulators, law 

7 enforcement officers, the public health community 

8 and industry members for creating a workable, legal, 

9 and successful system of alcoholic beverage regula10 tion, distribution, and sale; and 

11 (3) continues to support policies that allow 

12 States to effectively regulate alcohol. 

Passed the House of Representatives September 17, 

2008. 

Attest: 

Clerk. 

110TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION H. CON. RES. 415 

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 

Celebrating 75 years of effective State-based alcosale. alcoholic beverage regulation, distribution, and ating a workable, legal, and successful system of health community and industry members for cre- regulators, law enforcement officers, the public hol regulation and recognizing State lawmakers,