WWI opposes HR 5034.
The Washington Wine Institute strongly opposes HR 5034, which was recently proposed in Congress. This proposal could undo more than 40 years of progressive case law and allow states to ignore the tempering effect of the commerce clause. If enacted, among other things, wineries could potentially lose their right to self distribute to consumers and retailers. Losing this hard earned right would be unacceptable.
We have come too far to turn backwards now. The small family winery is the backbone of the Washington State wine industry and returning to a strict three-tier monopoly system would be devastating to the hundreds of small wineries doing business in our State and others around the country.
WWI has already been in contact with our Congressional delegation to encourage their opposition to HR 5034 and today WWI, WWC and WAWGG sent a joint letter to Congress. Please contact your Member of Congress and urge him or her to OPPOSE HR 5034.
Talking Points
- States already have broad authority to regulate the sale and control of alcohol, and Courts have consistently upheld that authority.
- H.R. 5034 would tilt the balance and allow states to pass discriminatory laws, which could have a devastating impact on Washington’s wineries who rely on open markets to ship their wines to customers in other states.
- New federal legislation is unnecessary and unwarranted as states can already accomplish their legitimate regulatory goals.
https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm
Thank you,
The Board and Staff of the WWI
Click here to download Attorney General Rob McKenna's letter regarding HR 5034
Click here to download HR 5034 Opposition Talking Points
Click here to download a joint letter opposing HR 5034 sent to congress members
Click here to download WineAmerica News Brief HR 5034
CBSNEWS talks to WWI President Marty CLubb about HR 5034.
Click here to download the article or click here to read the article online.
