Results of Meetings in Washington, DC

As you know by now, Dawn and I were in Washington this week for meetings with Senator Ted Cruz and Representative Michael C. Burgess.  Along with our lobbyist, Keith Nelson, we met Sen. Cruz’s legislative correspondent Hunter Rome, and briefly with Senator Cruz.  Both Hunter and Senator Cruz were very receptive to our cause, with Senator Cruz detailing to us his involvement in expanding cross-border wine sales during his time with the FTC.  Maybe his work in a similar industry is why he seemed genuinely interested in our effort.

Hunter was also very interested, and gave us the time that we needed to discuss the matter.  He suggested that we follow up with him after our meeting with the TTB next week, as well as suggesting that we, and all others with an interest in getting this change realized, contact our Senator’s offices to make sure they understand that it is not simply a handful of people interested in legalization.

Following our meeting with Senator Cruz and his legislative aide we met with Congressman Michael C. Burgess.  He was less receptive to the idea, but primarily for the reason that many are opposed- concerns over potential poisoning.  Being a medical doctor he has learned about methanol poisoning and how serious that can be.  When that is combined with decades of myths and untruths that home distilled spirit can contain enough methanol to be hazardous, it invokes valid fear.  We explained to the Congressman the truth about methanol poisoning and distilled spirits, specifically, that it is only when methanol is intentionally added to the spirit, as is done with black market booze, that it becomes dangerous.  We also supplied his senior legislative council, David Lieberman, with statistics and studies showing that methanol is present in greater quantities in both wine and fruit juice than in distilled spirits.  Rep. Burgess would like his staff to perform some research to confirm these facts before considering our effort further.

That sums up our round of meetings in DC this week.  Next week Keith, Tom Cowdrey, Scott McNutt, and I will be meeting with the TTB to discuss any concerns that they may have so that we can address them.  While we are not expecting the TTB to specifically back our effort, we hope that this will at least result in the TTB not being against our movement, even if it is unofficially.