August in DC: Zzzzzzzzz
August is a month when nothing happens in Washington, which can be both good and bad from a policy perspective—good in that no new bad ideas will be introduced, bad in that good measures are stalled until September.
That’s also the month when the government runs out of money (9/30), and could shut down unless there’s a kick-the-can-down-the road “continuing resolution” to keep funding at the same levels until a budget is eventually passed, which normally happens at the very end of the year. It’s no way to run Congress, but that’s the way it works.
In terms of WineAmerica’s priorities, there has been slow progress. Our national vineyard survey initiative has official verbal support in both the House and Senate, though no money attached yet. A bill to include that money is likely to be introduced soon, hopefully with bipartisan cosponsorship. The USPS Shipping Equity Act and the Agritourism bill are both alive, but overshadowed by larger issues and partisan warfare.
We’re particularly concerned that the House has proposed cutting $18 million from TTB’s already meager budget, though the Senate wants to add $5 million, so we’ll see where it ends up. TTB is one of the smaller agencies in DC, and adequate staffing is vital to continuing its timely label approval process and other services.
Since Senators and Representatives are in their home states or districts, it’s a good time for you to try and connect by inviting them to your winery or visiting their offices in person. It can make a huge difference in getting favorable legislation passed.
