What I Learned in Washington D.C.
This is a Big Week
The Entire Wine Industry is Watching
Today I am filled with tremendous pride, as I see our industry come together to write letters, sign petitions, make calls, travel to Washington D.C. and join forces to stop wine tariffs.
I spent yesterday on Capitol Hill, talking to my Senators, Congressmen and Congresswomen as well as to the offices of other States. I was joined by small business wine importers, sommeliers, and sales reps, and we all did the same thing: knock on doors, ask who we can talk to regarding the impending wine tariffs. We talked about the already imposed 25% tariff and how it immediately affected my business. We talked about the future devastation a 100% tax would unleash. We talked about the Congressional Wine Caucus and urged members to get involved. Today 106 Congressional Leaders signed a letter from the Wine Caucus to the USTR, strongly opposing wine tariffs. A trade advisor on the Ways & Means Committee reiterated that they have heard loud and clear from our industry and have and will continue to communicate our sentiments to the USTR. Many other members of Congress have written letters to Ambassador Lighthizer on our behalf and support the tens of thousands of people who would be affected by the unintended consequences of wine businesses caught in the collateral damage of a much larger trade dispute.
The main thing I learned yesterday is how much I genuinely appreciate the beauty of a free country, one that allows freedom of speech and affords the ability to access our government so easily. You can do it too! Anytime you'd like to visit Washington D.C., feel free to reach out to me to share how easy it is to talk to your Senators and House Representatives.
While the deadline to make public comments to the USTR on this matter has ended, there's still more you can do.
Join the momentum:
Write and CALL your Congressional leaders and tell them you oppose tariffs on wine (and food) products to resolve trade war issues. Find your House Rep here, Find your Senator here.
This blog Bending Elbows summarizes several ways to support action against wine tariffs. Whether you're a consumer, producer, distributor, or importer, find templates, useful links and more!
Join this Facebook Group to stay connected to the conversation.
Sign this petition to Save American Wine Jobs.
I sincerely want to thank each of you who have written letters, called and visited your Congressional Leaders. These actions are paramount in the power to drive change.
Stronger Together,
Alexi Cashen
CEO & Co-Founder
Elenteny Imports