Appropriations Analysis

The House is in recess this week while the Senate remains here in DC holding various business hearings. Last week was a very busy week on Capitol Hill. The House and Senate both passed an omnibus appropriations act that will fully fund the federal government through September 30, the end of the 2017 fiscal year. WineAmerica was pleased with the omnibus bill, as it fully funds several key priorities for the American wine industry. One of the key legislative victories we had in the last two years was securing $5 million in funding for TTB that specifically covers COLA and formula approvals. We were able to maintain that funding through 2016, and we are pleased the money will remain through the end of the fiscal year. This will ensure COLA turnaround times remain where they are, and with the federal hiring freeze now lifted, we are confident that will continue to approve. Additionally, we are pleased that the USA Market Access Program remains funded. Congress will now begin the process of drafting the appropriations bills for fiscal year 2018.

 

American Health Care Act

Late last week the House passed the American Health Care Act, which seeks to repeal most of the Affordable Care Act (more commonly known as Obamacare). The bill passed by a narrow majority, and will now be sent to the Senate for consideration. It is expected the Senate will drastically revise the legislation. It is expected that the Senate will spend most of the late spring and summer on health care reform

 

Excise Tax Reform Update

Another issue Congress is expected to tackle this year is tax reform. The House Ways and Means Committee has indicated they expect to focus primarily on income tax reform. WineAmerica will continue to build up the number of co-sponsors on the bill and is in the process of formulating a comprehensive lobbying strategy. Currently, there are 172 sponsors on the House version of the bill, and 45 on the Senate version of the bill. We are well on our way to eclipsing the number of sponsors on the bill last year.