Newhouse introduces legislation to allow shipping of alcohol through Post Office

Thursday, Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) introduced the USPS Shipping Equity Act alongside Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) and eight original House co-sponsors. This legislation would end the Prohibition-era ban that prevents the United States Postal Service (USPS) from shipping alcoholic beverages to consumers and allow them to ship directly from licensed producers and

Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, ranking Republican on the state House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee, has been appointed by U.S. Congressman Dan Newhouse to serve on the Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force.

Newhouse, a Republican who serves Washington’s 4th Congressional District, launched the task force on Wednesday, calling it “a vital initiative aimed at combatting the escalating fentanyl crisis plaguing communities across Central Washington and the United States.”

Mosbrucker, R-Golden - retailers to consumers over the age of 21, in accordance with state and local laws at the delivery location. This bill is critical in leveling the playing field and increasing consumer and manufacturer choice while bringing in millions of dollars in revenue per year. dale, was recently instrumental in bringing Republicans and Democrats together on a compromise agreement for a new state drug possession law that enacted a combination of modified gross misdemeanor penalties and treatment for people addicted to hard drugs, such as fentanyl. The legislation passed during a one-day special session on May 16.

“While other carriers deliver alcoholic beverages directly to consumers, current law prohibits USPS from taking similar action.

“Washington state is experiencing a drug crisis like we’ve never seen before, and fentanyl has been the leading driver. Drug overdoses in the past year are up by 21 percent. Fentanyl is now the lead-

Allowing USPS to deliver wine, beer, and spirits produced across our great nation provides another option for shipping carriers. This is extremely beneficial to small craft breweries and locally owned wineries, especially in rural regions like Central Washington, who struggle to gain market access. The time has come for us to shatter these barriers and unlock the tremendous potential of the wine and alcoholic beverage industry,” said Newhouse. “This crucial legislation has the potential to create opportunity for the wine, beer, and spirits landscape, foster economic growth, and empower consumers and businesses alike.”

"The outdated prohibition on shipping alcohol through the Postal Service is bad for consumers and bad for small busi - nesses—imposing unnecessary costs and hassle.

I’m proud to partner with Rep. Newhouse on this long-overdue, bipartisan reform to support local brewers, vineyards, and distillers by improving their affordable shipping options and opening up access to new markets,” said Wexton.

“Wineries, breweries, and cideries in the Salinas Valley and South Bay could use another safe delivery option to get products directly to adults nationwide. This bipartisan bill smartly updates our laws so American-owned businesses can use USPS to distribute to underserved communities in accordance with state laws. It's a win-win-win – for rural communities, agricultural businesses, and the Postal Service,” said Rep. Zoe Lofgren. for treatment. ing cause of death among adults in our state. In 2021, fentanyl accounted for 765 overdose deaths, more than car crashes and suicides. That number continues to rise as this drug overshadows our communities,” said Mosbrucker. “One pill equals one kill with fentanyl, destroying the lives of mothers and daughters, fathers and sons, and innocent little children. We need to do everything we can to stop this scourge and prevent further loss of life.”

According to Newhouse, the 20-member Central Washington Fentanyl Task Force will address the entire spectrum of issues tied to the fentanyl crisis, focusing on enforcement, education, prevention, and treatment. The group will meet quarterly. The goal of the group will be to research, discuss, and execute well-informed initiatives that will do the following to address the fentanyl crisis in Central Washington:

• Compile data from federal, state, and local communities to assess trends in the fentanyl crisis accurately.

• Assess current resources available to the public and frontline workers and where potential shortcomings may exist.

• Discuss potential legislative action on the federal, state, and local levels.

• Help organizations and local leaders educate the public about the dangers of fentanyl and opportunities

“I am honored to serve on Representative Newhouse’s task force and hope we can soon find some workable solutions that save lives,” added Mosbrucker.