From Babies to Bourbon: 33 Surprising Congressional Caucuses
Established in 2013 by Reps. Scott Peters (D-CA) and Matt Salmon (R-AZ) to educate other members about how algae can be used as a type of fuel, a way to recycle carbon dioxide or as a nutritional supplement.
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No, it’s not the members themselves who are babies, though it sometimes seems that way. This group works to make sure that toddlers and infants are not forgotten by federal policy.
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Rep. Roger Williams (R-TX) formed this group in 2013 to bring together a bipartisan group devoted to America’s pastime — because if Red Sox fans and Yankees fans can get along, surely Democrats and Republicans can.
© Mike Segar / Reuters
As part of its mission to promote funding for cycling activities, the group introduced the Bicycle Commuter Act of 2008, which created a $20 a month tax deduction for employers who provide bike parking or other support for cyclists.
Columbia Pictures
Formed over 20 years ago, the Caucus works to advance policies that benefit recreational boating, boating safety, waterway access and international trade opportunities.
Mary Cybulski
Members of Kentucky’s congressional delegation banded together in 2009 to create this group, which advocates for the $3 billion a year industry. More than 95 percent of the world’s bourbon is distilled in Kentucky.
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Members from poultry-producing states like Arkansas and California crow about the 300,000 jobs and about $350 billion a year worth of economic activity the industry creates. They also deal with food safety, environmental issues and animal welfare.
Aardman Studios
Corrosion — from car batteries to pipelines atop bridges — costs the U.S. a hefty $500 billion each year. The caucus discusses policy solutions for key American infrastructure.
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Secretary of State John Kerry helped launch this caucus in 2012 with congressional colleagues from Massachusetts, where cranberries represent the largest food crop and a $50 million business.
Amazon
Members once sent a letter to President Obama thanking him for displaying American cut flowers during a state dinner with the president of France and encouraged him to continue to do so.
Educates lawmakers on dairy industry issues and discusses legislation that will impact milk producers and processors. This year members are focused on the low price of milk, immigration reform and trade agreements.
Wikimedia Commons
Members want to bring attention to the danger of an EMP blast, saying a detonation of a nuclear weapon above the U.S. could cripple America’s electric power grid. Critics have said this group merely spurs unnecessary fear among citizens.
Encourages Americans to plan in advance for retirement, protect their financial and retirement security and boost their savings.
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Works to strengthen relations with Liechtenstein, the tiny country between Austria and Switzerland. The caucus also wants to improve commercial relations, as the U.S. is Liechtenstein’s largest trading partner outside of the EU.
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Serves as a platform for lawmakers to promote historical topics that interest them. Activities include lectures by historians and promotion of events and exhibits at historical institutions.
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Hockey is, apparently, a sport played on ice with sticks. Members of this caucus frame the game as a way to combat childhood obesity. Lawmakers and lobbyists also take part in an annual game played to raise money for various charities.
They’re not just horsing around. This group promotes the importance of the equine industry to the economy, agriculture, gaming and sporting. Members are working on anti-doping legislation in equestrian sports.
Reuters
Raises awareness about the impact of invasive species and works to prevent the spread of these pests. Invasive species like the Asian carp can destroy native habitat, hurt crops, clog water pipes and present other problems.
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Spreads awareness about the importance of submarines in U.S. national security. Have you not seen “The Hunt for Red October”?
They do more than play with Legos or Matchbox cars. Members discuss issues ranging from toy safety to the growth of small toy businesses.
Pixar
Wine grapes are the sixth largest crop in the U.S. — and the highest value fruit crop. One perk for members is wine receptions.
Comedy Central
Launched by Reps. Rick Crawford (R-AR) and Jim Costa (D-CA) in 2014 to bring awareness to the industry and discuss animal welfare. So far, have not proposed an 8-second rule for Congressional speeches (but that would be awesome).
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Did you know that male lobsters are called cocks while females are called hens? This caucus works to enhance knowledge and awareness of the industry and promotes the health benefits of seafood.
Disney
Reestablished in 2015 to strengthen ties with Moldova, an Eastern European nation that had been part of the Soviet Union. In May, caucus co-founders Joe Pitts (R-PA) and David Price (D-NC) called for Moldova to be integrated into the European Union.
© Bogdan Cristel / Reuters
Supports federal dental and oral health research initiatives and sponsors briefings, legislative seminars and other educational programs on the topic. Members presumably also floss regularly.
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Various congressional bands, such as the Second Amendments, play during meetings. Cause nothing captures the true spirit of rock like Congress.
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Road trip! This group highlights the importance of RVs to the tourism industry and the economy overall.
Columbia Pictures
Sadly, this group isn’t for members of Congress who privately want to be Taylor Swift. Instead, the caucus works to address intellectual property rights and other issues facing songwriters and recording artists.
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This hunting, fishing and recreational shooting group boasts almost 300 members. It also promotes conservation of fish and wildlife habitats.
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Members press the Federal Aviation Administration, airport authorities and others to work on reducing aircraft noise in order to please complaining constituents.
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Members are currently working on a bill to lower the excise taxes on the sale of the first 2 million barrels of beer that a small brewer sells each year.
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Tries to make sure that the sugar business stays a sweet one
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Yes, Congress has its own biker gang of sorts.
Flickr/Malay Maniar