Following up on his visit to Ninkasi Brewing Company in Eugene on July 5th, Senator Ron Wyden spoke with craft brewers and brewing industry suppliers at Hopworks Urban Brewery (HUB) in Portland on July 16th. The topic of Senator Wyden’s visit  detailed his support of S. 3339, the proposed legislation that would cut the small brewers excise tax differential in half from $7 per barrel to $3.50 per barrel of beer.

In a state such as Oregon, with nearly 100 craft breweries and the region being a major supplier of hops to the world, S.3339 represents an opportunity to grow businesses and create jobs; two aspects crucial to a country struggling to rebound after a recession.

S.3339 was introduced earlier this year by Senators John Kerry (MA) and Mike Crapo (ID). In addition to S.3339, Congressman Richard Neal (MA) has introduced HR 4278 which S.3339 is a companion bill to. To find more information on either of these bills visit their Resource page.