WASHINGTON – Today US Representatives John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) And Andy Barr (R-Ky.) Renewed the Bourbon Caucus of Congress as the official congressional membership organization for the 117th Congress.
Founded by Yarmuth in 2009, the caucus is made up of a non-partisan group of members dedicated to strengthening the bourbon industry in the United States and educating other members on legislative and regulatory issues that affect the industry. Yarmuth and Barr serve as co-chairs of the caucus.
“I am proud to work with my colleague, Congressman Andy Barr, to reconstruct the Bourbon Caucus of Congress for the 117th Congress,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “The production, distribution, and consumption of bourbon and other distilled spirits are a major economic engine for Kentucky and our entire country. Our bipartisan caucus plays an important role in bringing members together to advance the issues facing the industry. With the ongoing pandemic and economic uncertainty continuing, it’s important that we work even harder to protect these good jobs in Kentucky. “
Yarmuth and Barr have made efforts to promote and protect the domestic liquor industry, including recent successful efforts to make the excise tax relief permanent and reduce the bureaucratic burden for distilleries that increase their production of hand sanitizer and other needed products at the start of the ongoing pandemic .
Kentucky is the birthplace of Bourbon, America’s only homeland spirit. According to the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, bourbon is an estimated $ 8.6 billion industry in Kentucky, supporting more than 20,000 jobs nationwide and producing 95% of global supply.