Many members of the US Congress continue to support HR 5034, a bill that may have long lasting influence on the wine and beer industry. An article, “Beer Group Opens the Tap on the Hill” in the Washington Post on August 2, 2010 attempts to show the monetary contributions of the National Beer Wholesalers Association and its influence on numerous members who are supporting the HR 5034 legislation. In particular, the article points to Representative John Conyers Jr. who has received over $45,000 to his campaign accounts from National Beer Wholesalers. Conyers just happens to be the Chairperson of the committee where the bill is being considered. The author of the article, Dan Eggen, goes on to talk about other contributions as well as presenting the defense by some aides of those receiving donations. It’s a good article to read and available at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/08/01/AR2010080103192.html/. You might want to read some of the comments readers have added.

This all makes one wonder in what other areas of legislation are Congressional members possibly influenced by donations? Too many? Is it ethical? What’s your opinion?

Cheers! Kathy