Policy Perspectives

DC Updates

Members of Congress wanted to get home to the campaign trail, an incentive that helped them come together to avoid a potential government shutdown. They basically kicked the can down the road with a “Continuing Resolution” (current spending levels) through December 20, when they will again play chicken right before the holidays. What a way to run a government!

In other news, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) introduced the USPS Shipping Equity Act, which would allow the postal service to ship wine like FedEx and UPS have been doing for years. They could also ship beer and spirits.  WineAmerica strongly supports this initiative, which would increase competition and reach more rural areas than are currently served by the other carriers. There is no chance it will be taken up this year, but its introduction is a positive step nonetheless.

Please Vote: The election is now just five weeks away. WineAmerica does not take sides but encourages everyone to exercise their right to vote.