Keep The Wine Flowing - David Wu's Response

Dear Mr. Kiester:

In light of our mutual interest in sustaining Oregon's wine industry, I wanted to make you aware of an interview I recently gave to iWineRadio criticizing H.R. 5034, which threatens to take us backwards, toward monopoly-like behavior by alcohol beverage wholesalers.

To listen or download, please follow this link: http://www.winefairy.com/iWineRadio839CongressmanWu.mp3

As you know, this bill would have serious negative consequences for thousands of businesses, especially Oregon's growing wine industry.

H.R. 5034, the so-called Comprehensive Alcohol Regulatory Effectiveness (CARE) Act, would cede federal authority of alcohol regulation to the states, upending the careful balance of federal, state, and local authority. Among other things, it would eliminate the protections granted by the interstate commerce clause of the Constitution as it affects the regulation of wine, beer, and spirits.

H.R. 5034 would take away both constitutional and congressional protections for wineries, breweries, and distilleries. It would authorize the states to pass discriminatory laws and would create new and oppressive evidentiary standards, making it impossible to challenge discriminatory state statutes. Among other things, the bill would allow states, at the urging of the wholesalers, to eliminate direct-to-consumer shipping in 37 states and the District of Columbia.

Congress should not pick winners and losers among states, wine producers, and consumers. I pledge to continue my efforts to oppose this disingenuous legislation and work for its defeat, should it ever make it to the floor of the House.

I hope you find this information and interview informative. To learn more about my work in Congress or to sign up for periodic e-mail updates, please visit my website at www.house.gov/wu. If I can be of further service, please contact my Oregon office at 503-326-2901 or 800-422-4003.

With warm regards,
David Wu
Member of Congress