Political Quotes

“I today introduce legislation pertaining to the federal excise tax on beer. The federal excise tax on beer was doubled as part of the 1991 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. Today, it remain as the only "luxury tax" enacted as part of OBRA '91. While taxes on furs, jewelry, and yachts were repealed through subsequent legislation, the federal beer tax remains in place with continued and far reaching negative effects. The excise tax on beer is among the more regressive federal taxes. Since the 100 percent tax was levied in 1991, it has cost the industry as many as 50,000 jobs. Beer in particular continues to suffer under a disproportionate burden of taxation. Forty-three percent of the cost of beer is comprised of both state and federal taxes. This legislation seeks to correct this inequity and will restore the level of federal excise tax to the pre-1991 tax rate. Mr. President, this bill represents companion legislation to H.R. 158, introduced by Representative Phil English. The House bill currently carries 95 cosponsors. I commend this Senate legislation to my colleagues for their consideration.”