Rep. Kelly Named Co-Chairman of House Small Brewers Caucus

Press Release

U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA), along with Reps. Peter DeFazio (D-OR), Patrick McHenry (R-NC), and Richard Neal (D-MA), are pleased to announce that the House Small Brewers Caucus has been reestablished in the 114th Congress. Founded by Reps. DeFazio and Greg Walden (R-OR) in 2007, this bipartisan group is dedicated to issues affecting America's small brewers and currently includes 143 members of the House of Representatives.

Statement by Rep. Kelly, Co-Chairman:

"I am very excited to begin work with the Small Brewers Caucus and honored to serve as a co-chairman. These main street businesses contribute powerfully to their local economies and provide many thousands of jobs to hardworking Americans from coast to coast. In Pennsylvania alone, craft breweries add to the commonwealth's economy by nearly $2 billion. I look forward to making sure national policy allows them to keep brewing, growing, and creating more American jobs."

Statement by Rep. DeFazio, Co-Chairman:

"If you need an example of how craft breweries affect local economies, just look at Oregon. Even during the recession, craft breweries experienced strong growth and today, it's a $3 billion industry in my state. These small businesses support thousands of local jobs and provide the rest of us with a quality American product. This is exactly the kind of growth I'm proud to support."

Statement by Rep. McHenry, Vice Chairman:

"With over 20 small breweries in the 10th District I know the positive, job-creating impact these small businesses can have. I look forward to continuing as Vice Chairman of the Caucus as we work in a bipartisan fashion to advance their interests."

Statement by Rep. Neal, Vice Chairman:

"The craft brewing industry in Massachusetts is thriving because they make distinctive products for passionate consumers. These breweries are locally owned, generate economic development and create good jobs. I have been an enthusiastic supporter of these small businesses and entrepreneurs and I am proud to be a part of the leadership of this bipartisan caucus."