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Earl Blumenauer was mentioned in INTRODUCTION OF THE KEEPING OUR MANUFACTURERS FROM BEING UNFAIRLY TAXED WHILE CHAMPIONING HEALTH ACT ..... on page E291 covering the 1st Session of the 117th Congress published on March 23, 2021 in the Congressional Record.

The publication is reproduced in full below:

INTRODUCTION OF THE KEEPING OUR MANUFACTURERS FROM BEING UNFAIRLY TAXED

WHILE CHAMPIONING HEALTH ACT (KOMBUCHA)

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HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

of oregon

in the house of representatives

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, today I introduced the Keeping Our Manufacturers from being Unfairly taxed while Championing Health Act

(KOMBUCHA). This legislation would amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to properly tax kombucha, a fermented tea, naturally rich in probiotics and healthy acids, that can contain trace amounts of alcohol.

Last month, on February 21, we commemorated World Kombucha Day and acknowledged the many contributions of kombucha brewers in my home State of Oregon, across the United States, and around the world. With the introduction of KOMBUCHA, the United States Congress now can extend that acknowledgement to legislative action by providing the industry with much-needed relief.

Under the Internal Revenue Code, kombucha beverages with more than 0.5 percent alcohol-by-volume are subject to excise taxes intended for beer. As a result of the fermentation process that is necessary to produce kombucha, some final products may contain more than 0.5 percent alcohol-by-volume, subjecting the industry to onerous excise taxes. But kombucha drinkers do not choose the product because of its alcohol content, they choose it as a healthy beverage option.

My legislation would increase the alcohol-by-volume limit for kombucha to 1.25 percent, properly categorizing the product and allowing the kombucha industry to continue its growth. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and Senator Wyden in the Senate to provide this relief as soon as possible.

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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 54

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