H3406 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 6, 2006 In my district, the F.X. Matt Brew- commending American craft brewers. controversial but important to seg- ing Company has become an integral America’s brewing landscape began to ments of our economy. part of our community. For 118 years, change during the late 1970s when the Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance this regional brewery has continually traditions and styles of brewing of my time. reinvented itself and today is most fa- brought to our country by immigrants The SPEAKER pro tempore. The mous for its line of Saranac beer. The from all over the world began to dis- question is on the motion offered by brewery’s capacity to respond to mar- appear. Highly effective marketing the gentleman from California (Mr. ket changes and customer demands campaigns were changing America’s ISSA) that the House suspend the rules have ensured its continued ability to beer preference to light-adjunct lager. and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 753. provide over 100 high-quality manufac- Low-calorie beers soon began driving The question was taken; and (two- turing jobs in an area that has experi- and shaping the growth and nature of thirds having voted in favor thereof) enced a decline in this sector. the American brewing industry. the rules were suspended and the reso- Continuing the tradition of attention The home brewing hobby began to lution was agreed to. to the local community, the F.X. Matt thrive as American beer drinkers began A motion to reconsider was laid on Brewing Company fosters local pride brewing their own beer so that they the table. and involvement through their associa- could experience the beer traditions f tion with the Boilermaker 15K Road and styles of other countries. Those RECOGNIZING 30TH ANNIVERSARY Race, one of the finest in America, home brewing roots gave birth to what OF THE VICTORY OF UNITED which culminates in an area-wide cele- we now call the ‘‘craft brewing’’ indus- STATES WINEMAKERS AT 1976 bration at the brewery, and by hosting try. Today, American craft-brewed beer PARIS WINE TASTING what we call ‘‘Saranac Thursdays’’ is an all-malt beer that is higher in cal- throughout the summer, from which ories and has greater flavor and aroma Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to all the proceeds benefit the United than the light beers of the 1970s. suspend the rules and agree to the con- Way. Made by any one of America’s 1,458 current resolution (H. Con. Res. 399) Craft brewers live and work in the small regional microbreweries, our pub recognizing the 30th anniversary of the community where their products are breweries, craft brewers produced 6.23 victory of United States winemakers at made, which underlies their continued million barrels, or 3 percent, of the the 1976 Paris Wine Tasting. commitment to local charitable and beer consumed in the American States The Clerk read as follows: philanthropic institutions. They have in 2001. American craft brewers are H. CON. RES. 399 supported children’s hospitals, humane small community-based businesses Whereas on May 24th, 1976 in Paris, France, societies, chambers of commerce, dis- that employ 33,000 workers and exem- the premier wines of California and France ease research, and parent-teachers as- plify the American entrepreneurial were judged in a blind taste test by leading sociation. In short, they are just good spirit. French wine experts; citizens. Craft brewers are committed Since 1978, the American craft beer Whereas the winning red wine was the 1973 to promoting the safe and moderate industry has never lost market share. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars SLV Napa Valley Cabernet crafted by winemaker Warren consumption of their beverage, and Craft brewers have succeeded in ex- work closely with their communities Winiarski; panding the minds of beer consumers Whereas the winning white wine was the to prevent underage drinking and alco- and in creating and establishing a hol abuse. 1973 Chateau Montelena Napa Valley niche in the American consumer mar- Chardonnay crafted by winemaker Miljenko American craft brewers are a testa- ket. Today’s American beer consumers ‘‘Mike’’ Grgich; ment to this country’s entrepreneurial continue to provide support to the Whereas this event became known as the and community-based small businesses Tasting Heard ‘Round the World, and her- tradition, and I urge my colleagues to craft beer market. Again, I join with the gentleman alded the beginning of the rise to pre- join me in recognizing the unique con- eminence of California wines; from New York and the gentleman tributions they have made to our cul- Whereas the Smithsonian Institution’s Na- from California in commending the ture and economy by supporting this tional Museum of American History has resolution. home brewers, as many people like to placed bottles of the winning wines in its Just let me make one last observa- call them, but the people who make permanent collection; tion. Some people might say, watching their own so they can sip it, and taste Whereas wines from all over the United States are now enjoyed all over the world; the proceedings of this House, why are it, and know what it is like before it is finished. and they spending time on resolutions like Whereas the domestic wine industry now this when there are so many really Mr. Speaker, I support this resolu- tion, urge its passage, and I yield back contributes over $50 billion a year to the pressing issues facing the Nation? And United States economy: Now, therefore, be it the answer is very simple. This is a the balance of my time. Resolved by the House of Representatives (the small portion of our legislative week Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I will close in Senate concurring), That Congress— set aside for resolutions just like the two important ways. One is to, first, (1) recognizes and honors the 30th Anniver- ones we are discussing, important to urge all of my colleagues here and al- sary of the California victory at the 1976 America, not of grand importance, not ready at home tonight to vote for this Paris Wine Tasting; and (2) recognizes the historical significance of everybody is concerned about them, resolution. I think it sets the right bal- ance on an important segment of our this event to the United States wine indus- but important to certain segments of try. America. craft industry. Much more than an al- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Tomorrow, we go on with the appro- cohol industry, this is about the right ant to the rule, the gentleman from priations bills to discuss things like of the small operation to do something the war on terrorism. We dealt with that is a time-honored tradition. California (Mr. ISSA) and the gen- homeland security today. We deal day Secondly, I would like to reiterate in tleman from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS) each in and day out with critically impor- the best possible terms why this time will control 20 minutes. tant issues, but I think it is just proper we spend here in the evening is dif- The Chair recognizes the gentleman that we pause on occasion and dedicate ferent. Most of our colleagues have from California. a few minutes to saluting, as I am sa- gone home for the evening or gone to GENERAL LEAVE luting the small brewers of America, their dinners, but, in fact, Members Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- and you can salute any small business will choose to come here and take time mous consent that all Members may you want to. They add to the very fab- that otherwise these Chambers would have 5 legislative days in which to re- ric of our Nation, and I am proud to be dark to talk about issues that don’t vise and extend their remarks and in- identify with it. affect all of America but affect some clude extraneous material on the reso- Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I part of America or their district, and I lution now under consideration. yield myself such time as I may con- believe that this is the right balance. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sume. I continue to support the idea that objection to the request of the gen- Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join we should bring resolutions on suspen- tleman from California? with the gentleman from New York in sions to the floor when they are not There was no objection.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:51 Jun 07, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JN7.100 H06JNPT1 CCOLEMAN on PROD1PC71 with HOUSE June 6, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H3407 Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself is truth in the old saying that it takes Representative THOMPSON might even such time as I may consume, and I ap- a lot of beer to make good wine. So it make me an honorary member of that preciate that this resolution is being is probably appropriate that both of tasting club. taken out of order, but one might say these measures are taken up tonight. Mr. Speaker, until 1976, France was gen- it is being taken in the correct order. Mr. Speaker, I have the distinct erally regarded as having an unchallenged One might even say that it is being honor and pleasure of representing reputation as the foremost producer of the taken one after its correct order. California’s 1st Congressional District, world’s best wines. In that year, a wine mer- As a Member from California, with home to over 500 wineries, I believe and chant in Paris, Steven Spurrier, organized the my colleague from California on the I think everyone would agree, the prestigious wine tasting competition now other side of the aisle, it is important heart and soul of the American wine known as the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. to note that California wines are, in industry. So you might ask why it is Spurrier sold only French wines and later said fact, the finest in the world; that they that I would have introduced a resolu- ‘‘I thought I had it rigged for the French wines enjoy a special place and a personal tion honoring a French wine tasting. to win.’’ honor around the world. So although As my colleague from California said, The jury of nine testers in the wine competi- we came after beer tonight, I would the fact of the matter is the Paris Wine tion included eight of France’s top wine tasting certainly say not far after beer this Tasting of 1976 is the seminal event in experts. Blind tasting was performed so that evening. the history of the U.S. wine industry. none of the judges knew the identity of the Mr. Speaker, until 1976, France was At that event, some of Europe’s great- wines that were tasted. First to be tasted were generally regarded as having an un- est wine critics, those from within the white wines. The comparison included challenged reputation as the foremost European wine community, chose U.S. Chardonnays and matched the very best producer of the world’s best wines. In wines as the winners of that tasting in French Chardonnays from Burgundy against that year, a wine merchant in Paris, a blind test. That is why that wine California Chardonnays. The winner was a Steven Spurrier, organized a pres- tasting is known even today as the California Chardonnay that was from Chateau tigious wine tasting, now known as the tasting heard around the world. Montelena and made by winemaker Mike Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. The Paris tasting was proof that Grgich. Third and fourth places also went to American wine makers could compete b 2215 California Chardonnays. All nine judges with the best in the world, that wine awarded their top scores to either Chalone The blind tasting contest was judged makers like Warren Winiarski of Winery or Chateau Montelena, both of Cali- by eight of France’s top wine tasting Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and Mike fornia. The red wines then were tasted. A Ca- experts. In the white wine as well as Grgich of Chateau Montelena, he now bernet Sauvignon from California’s Stag’s red wine consumption, California wines owns his own winery, but at the time Leap Wine Cellars and produced by wine- took first place, ending the French he was the wine maker at Chateau maker Warren Winiarski was chosen as the wine domination of that industry. Montelena, were in fact making some top wine of that type. Mr. Speaker, I will include the rest of of the best wines in the world. The tasting results were surprising to the my statement for the RECORD. I respect Robert Parker, the world-renowned judges and wine connoisseurs worldwide. The so much the co-chairman of the Wine wine critic, put it best when he said, lone reporter who attended the competition Caucus that I do not want to take the ‘‘The Paris tasting destroyed the myth was from Time magazine, and that reporter’s thunder that likely belongs to him and of French supremacy and marked the story promptly revealed the results to the all of the good work my colleague from democratization of the wine world. It world. Leaders in the French wine industry California has done. was a watershed in the history of banned Spurrier from the nation’s prestigious Time Magazine’s Paris correspondent was wine.’’ wine-tasting tour for a year, apparently as on hand for the tasting and broke the news to The tasting served as a launching pad punishment for the damage his tasting had the world. Less might have been made of the for an industry that has grown to be- done to France’s image of superiority. And as contest had the renowned French tasters been come a major contributor to our na- recently as 2005, some of the judges still re- less disdainful toward the California selections tional economy, now totaling over $50 fused to discuss the tasting, saying that to do as they tasted. The French tasters were billion a year. There are over 4,000 so would have been ‘‘too painful.’’ stunned when the names of the wines were commercial wineries throughout all 50 This resolution recognizes and honors the revealed. The impact of the tasting for Cali- States. Many of them are small family- 30th anniversary of the California victory at the fornia wines was immediate, showing people owned businesses. The number has 1976 Paris Wine Tasting and recognizes the everywhere that exceptional wines could come grown by 30 percent in the last 4 years, historical significance of this event to the from somewhere other than France. The 1976 and the wine industry and the tourism United States wine industry. Paris tasting has been duplicated over the that it generates employs over 250,000 I urge my colleagues to support H. Con. years with many times the same result. Today, tax-paying Americans. Res. 399. California wines continue to demand respect It is, in fact, a great industry, and Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance and admiration of wine experts all over the our wines are in fact the best. It is ap- of my time. world. propriate that we take this time to Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself I urge all members to come together to sup- commend those who participated in the balance of my time, and I might re- port adoption of this resolution on the 30th an- and the industry that has grown out of mind the gentleman from Illinois that niversary of that historic tasting. the Paris Wine Tasting of 1976. I urge wine tasting is a full-participation Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of all of my colleagues to vote in favor of sport available to all over the age of 21. my time. this. I thank you for the courtesy of Mr. Speaker, I would just close by Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, bringing this measure up tonight, both noting that many, many times Califor- it is my pleasure to yield such time as out of order and on the floor, recog- nia’s superiority as the grape wine cap- he may consume to the champion of nizing the 30th anniversary of this fa- ital of the world has been repeated in wine tasting in the House and the spon- mous wine tasting. Paris. With that, I close by saying I eat sor of this legislation, the gentleman Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I French fries and drink California wine. from California (Mr. THOMPSON). yield myself such time as I may con- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. sume. of my time. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Let me just say that Californians, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Illinois and my colleague from Cali- whether Democrat or Republican, take question is on the motion offered by fornia, and I concur that this is an im- their politics seriously. They do not al- the gentleman from California (Mr. portant resolution. Although the beer ways agree on all things, but I think ISSA) that the House suspend the rules measure was taken up first; as someone they do agree and I think all of us can and agree to the concurrent resolution, who has lived in the wine industry my agree with them that California does in H. Con. Res. 399. entire life, someone who grows wine fact have some of the finest wines The question was taken; and (two- grapes and someone who has worked in known to humankind. I am pleased to thirds having voted in favor thereof) many different jobs in the wine indus- join with them in passing this resolu- the rules were suspended and the con- try, I can tell you firsthand that there tion, and perhaps one of these days current resolution was agreed to.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 05:04 Jun 07, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K06JN7.103 H06JNPT1 CCOLEMAN on PROD1PC71 with HOUSE H3408 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE June 6, 2006 A motion to reconsider was laid on have 5 legislative days within which to governments and other relevant enti- the table. revise and extend their remarks and to ties to take a proactive role and to en- f include extraneous material on the res- gage in practices that protect and olution under consideration. maximize their tourism assets. SUPPORTING NATIONAL TOURISM The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there WEEK As a matter of fact, when I think of objection to the request of the gen- tourism, I think of my own congres- Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I move to tleman from California? sional district which includes down- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- There was no objection. town Chicago with many of the sky- lution (H. Res. 729) supporting National Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself scrapers, the Sears Tower, the Water Tourism Week. such time as I may consume. Tower Place. King Tut is now on ex- The Clerk read as follows: I rise in support of H. Res. 729, offered hibit in our city, and thousands of peo- H. RES. 729 by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. ple are coming each and every day. And Whereas travel and tourism has a major FOLEY). I am also a cosponsor of this so travel and tourism contribute to the impact on the economy of the United States resolution, and cosponsor of it for a cultural and social well-being of the as the 3rd largest retail sales industry in the good reason. The $1.3 trillion industry Nation; Nation. I support this resolution and Whereas 1 out of every 7 people employed in travel and tourism is one that both urge its passage. in the United States civilian labor force is Florida and California enjoy, and peo- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance directly or indirectly employed in the travel ple from all over the world also enjoy of my time. and tourism industry; it. The United States receives nearly 50 Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, the gen- Whereas international travel to the United million international visitors, spending tleman from Illinois is quite right. On States is the largest service export, having over $100 billion a year while touring generated a trade surplus for 16 consecutive Monday I left several tourist dollars on within our country. the 95th floor of the John Hancock years, increasing 144 percent between 2003 to In fact, the United States is the num- 2004 to over $4 billion; Building at that lovely, beautiful res- ber one tourist destination in the Whereas, in 2005, travel and tourism-re- taurant. Chicago is in fact a major lated expenditures reached $1 trillion, in- world. The Travel Industry Association tourist destination, and I have been to cluding $596 billion in direct sales and $445 says if not for the taxes generated by more trade shows than I care to, well, billion in indirect sales, and supported 8 mil- the travel and tourism, every house- I care to remember them all. They lion jobs; hold in America would pay over $900 Whereas the Department of Commerce has were all quite good. Chicago hosts more in taxes each year to make up for some wonderful McCormick-based fa- released the 2004 international year-end ar- the shortfall, much of that coming rivals data, revealing that the level of inter- cilities, and has some of the finest ho- from foreign visitors. tels. I have not stayed in all of the fin- national travel to the United States in- In addition, travel and tourism gen- creased by 12 percent from 2003 to 46 million est hotels, but you have some of the erate $100 billion in tax revenue for in 2004, with overseas visitors increasing 13 finest hotels. local, State and Federal governments. percent, to 20 million in 2004; Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of this For this reason, it is important that we Whereas domestic and international trav- resolution to thank the travel and eler spending in the United States generated encourage and recognize the travel in- tourism industry for what they con- $99.4 billion in taxes for Federal, State and dustry for its dedication to not only tribute to our economy. local governments in 2004; the accommodation of our vacation Whereas tourism contributes substantially needs, but also in providing much-need- Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, at the start of the to personal growth, education, appreciation ed jobs and revenue for our country summer season we recognize the contribu- of cross-cultural differences, and the en- each year. I urge all Members to come tions of the travel and tourism industry by hancement of international understanding celebrating National Tourism Week. and good will; together to support the vitally impor- Whereas the abundant natural and man- tant travel and tourism industry by Over the last 22 years, our Nation has cele- made attractions of the United States and adopting H. Res. 729. brated National Tourism Week, and rightfully the hospitality of the American people es- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of so. This industry ranks first, second or third in tablish the United States as the preeminent my time. nearly 60 percent of the country. destination for both foreign and domestic Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I Not only is tourism a dominant industry in travelers; yield myself such time as I may con- the U.S. economy, but it is an industry that is Whereas National Tourism Week was es- sume. present in every Congressional district. From tablished by Congress in 1983, and first cele- sea to shining sea, to purple mountains maj- brated in May 1984, when President Ronald Mr. Speaker, people across the Na- Reagan signed a proclamation urging citi- tion and around the world have enjoyed esty, every corner of the U.S. contributes to zens to observe the week with appropriate traveling across America to visit our the travel and tourism industry—Hawaii, Alas- ceremonies and activities; magnificent cities, parks, museums, ka, Maine, Florida, California, and everything Whereas, since 1984, National Tourism and our many other national historic in between. Week has been celebrated each May by the and cultural sites. America provides The travel and tourism industry boasts travel and tourism community, travel indus- countless opportunities to learn about heavy-hitting statistics on expenditures, reve- try associations, as well as many States, cit- and to enjoy our Nation’s immense va- nues, and jobs (the 3rd largest retail sales in- ies, and localities throughout the Nation; and riety of attractions. dustry in the Nation; has generated a trade Whereas May 13 through 21, 2006, is the 23rd The travel and tourism industry rep- surplus for 16 consecutive years; supports 8 annual National Tourism Week: Now, there- resents a vital part of the American million jobs; in 2005, expenditures reached $1 fore, be it economy. It is a $1.3 trillion industry trillion.). But that’s not all. The travel and tour- Resolved, That the House of Representa- in the United States, and $100 billion is ism industry produces something that cannot tives— generated each year in tax revenues for be quantified. There is no better way to under- (1) supports National Tourism Week; and local, State and Federal governments. stand and appreciate a culture than to travel (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation calling upon the people of the And with the total of 7.3 million Amer- to that land and experience it. When people United States and interested groups to ob- ican jobs related to travel, the travel come to the U.S., they experience our culture serve National Tourism Week with appro- and tourism industry is one of the and hospitality first hand, and almost without priate ceremonies and activities. country’s biggest employers. exception, their view of America changes for The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- National Tourism Week was estab- the better. In today’s world, this element is ant to the rule, the gentleman from lished by Congress in 1983 and first priceless. California (Mr. ISSA) and the gen- celebrated in May of 1984 when Presi- As co-chairs of the Congressional Travel & tleman from Illinois (Mr. DAVIS) each dent Ronald Reagan signed a proclama- Tourism Caucus since 1997, Congressman will control 20 minutes. tion that urged citizens to observe the FOLEY and I have worked hard to educate our The Chair recognizes the gentleman week with appropriate ceremonies and colleagues about the significance of this indus- from California. activities. Held each year from May 13 try and all that it offers to our country. The GENERAL LEAVE to May 21, National Tourism Week pro- caucus is over 100 members strong and con- Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- vides the perfect platform upon which tinues to grow as more of my colleagues truly mous consent that all Members may to challenge State tourism boards, city comprehend the magnitude of tourism.

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