III 

114TH CONGRESS 

1ST SESSION S. RES. 188 

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 31, 2015 

Mr. CARDIN (for himself, Ms. COLLINS, Ms. CANTWELL, and Ms. AYOTTE) 

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 2015, American Craft Beer Week is celebrated 

from May 11 to May 17; 

Whereas craft brewers are a vibrant affirmation and expression of the entrepreneurial traditions of the United 

States, operating as community-based small businesses, 

providing employment for 115,000 full- and part-time 

workers, and generating annually more than 

$3,000,000,000 in wages and benefits; 


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•SRES 188 ATS 

Whereas the United States has craft brewers in every State 

and more than 3,500 craft breweries nationwide, each 

producing fewer than 6,000,000 barrels of beer annually; 

Whereas in 2014, 615 new breweries opened in the United 

States, creating jobs and improving economic conditions 

in communities across the United States; 

Whereas in 2014, craft breweries in the United States produced more than 22,000,000 barrels of beer, which is 

3,300,000 more barrels than craft breweries produced in 

2013; 

Whereas the craft brewers of the United States now export 

more than 383,000 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 smoked 

porters to pumpkin peach ales that— 

(1) contribute to a favorable balance of trade by reducing United States dependence on imported beers; 

(2) support United States exports; and 

(3) promote United States tourism; 

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 


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•SRES 188 ATS 

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 (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 who provide a diverse array of quality local jobs that will not be 

outsourced, who contribute to the local tax base; and who 

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 United States Senate— 


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•SRES 188 ATS 

1 (1) appreciates the goals of American Craft 

2 Beer Week, established by the Brewers Association, 

3 which represents the small craft brewers of the 

4 United States; 

5 (2) recognizes the significant contributions of 

6 the craft brewers of the United States to the econ7 omy and to the communities in which the craft 

8 brewers are located; and 

9 (3) commends the craft brewers of the United 

10 States for providing jobs, supporting United States 

11 agriculture, improving the balance of trade, and edu12 cating the people of the United States and beer 

13 lovers around the world about the history and cul14 ture of beer while promoting the legal and respon15 sible consumption of beer. 

Æ 


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