III 

114TH CONGRESS 

2D SESSION S. RES. 473 

Expressing appreciation of the goals of American Craft Beer Week and 

commending the small and independent craft brewers of the United States. 

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 

MAY 24, 2016 

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 

RESOLUTION 

Expressing appreciation of the goals of American Craft Beer 

Week and commending the small and independent craft 

brewers of the United States. 

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; 


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(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— 


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(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; 


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(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 

1 Resolved, That the Senate— 

2 (1) appreciates the goals of American Craft 

3 Beer Week, established by the Brewers Association, 

4 which represents the small craft brewers of the 

5 United States; 

6 (2) recognizes the significant contributions of 

7 the craft brewers of the United States to the econ8 omy and to the communities in which the craft 

9 brewers are located; and 

10 (3) commends the craft brewers of the United 

11 States for providing jobs, supporting United States 

12 agriculture, improving the balance of trade, and edu13 cating the people of the United States and beer 

14 lovers around the world about the history and cul15 ture of beer while promoting the legal and respon16 sible consumption of beer. 

Æ 


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