Beer Institute Names Senator Bob Menendez as 2022 Beer Champion

The Beer Institute announced U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) as one of its “2022 Beer Champions.” Sen. Menendez was recognized for his leadership in securing permanent excise tax relief for brewers and pushing for a deferment on federal excise taxes on brewers and beer importers during the pandemic.

“A sincere thank you to Sen. Menendez and our Beer Champions whose ongoing leadership has provided critical support against the challenges our industry is facing,” said Gavin Hattersley, chairman of the Beer Institute and president and CEO of Molson Coors Beverage Company. “The U.S. beer industry contributes $350 billion to the economy and creates more than 2 million jobs. Sen. Menendez has worked hard to fight against the aluminum pricing process, unfair federal excise tax and other issues that are threatening our industry. We are grateful for his partnership and hope to continue working together in support of the beer industry.”

“From growing crops to brewing and selling beer, the burgeoning beer industry supports New Jersey’s economy and creates jobs in our state,” said Sen. Menendez. “I’m proud to be named a 2022 Beer Champion and will continue to fight for legislation that ensures the beer industry, especially small breweries owned by families and minorities, are able to build back stronger than ever in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

In New Jersey, the beer industry supports more than 38,000 jobs and provides $6.3 billion annually in economic output.

Sen. Menendez co-sponsored the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) to provide permanent excise tax relief to America’s brewers and beer importers, ensuring they have the resources to reinvest in their businesses, hire new employees and continue to innovate and create America’s favorite beers. In 2020, Sen. Menendez signed a letter urging the Treasury to defer deadlines on federal excise taxes on domestic and imported beverage alcohol through December 31, 2022.

The beer industry supports millions of well-paying American jobs in a wide range of industries, including farming, manufacturing, construction, retail, the service industry and more. You can learn more about the beer industry’s impact in each state at beerservesamerica.com.

Other 2022 Beer Champions include:

• Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
• Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR)
• Senator John Hoeven (R-ND)
• Representative Sanford Bishop (D-GA)
• Representative Ken Buck (R-CO)
• Representative Rodney Davis (R-IL)
• Representative Al Lawson (D-FL)