Caucus: Do not blame Congress for bad beer

WASHINGTON, July 12 (UPI) -- One of the fastest growing areas of bipartisanship in Washington finds U.S. House of Representatives members brewing good relations and good beer.

The House Small Brewers Caucus -- 35 members strong -- convene to promote small breweries, trade beer-making advice and enjoy good beer -- responsibly, of course, The Hill, a Washington newspaper, reported Thursday.

If the caucus reaches its recruitment goal, soon there will be 100 members from both parties to debate who has the most microbreweries in their district and who makes the best home brew.

Rep. Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., brews India Pale Ales while Rep. Brian Bilbray, R-Calif., prefers darker brews, the Hill reported Thursday. DeFazio and Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., lead the caucus.

But beer isn't the only beverage fermenting in Congress: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Rep. George Radanovich, R-Calif., both make their own wine.

While most caucus members display their membership proudly, there are problems with the occasional dismayed constituent, the newspaper said. And the fast-paced congressional schedule, members said, also makes it hard to find time for the slow process of crafting a good drink.

The caucus has a Web site at walden.house.gov/smallbrewers/pages/home.html.