GOP Revolt Jeopardizes Funding Bill Over 30-Day Hemp Ban Delay
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Aug 6
GOP Revolt Jeopardizes Funding Bill Over 30-Day Hemp Ban Delay
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Aug 6
Summary
Senate Republicans led by Ted Budd are threatening to block a stopgap funding bill unless leaders strip out a provision delaying an intoxicating-hemp ban from November to Dec. 11.
The dispute has upended what had looked like easy passage of the measure, which won an 89-4 procedural vote Monday and would keep agencies funded through early December.
Budd and other critics say the delay keeps unregulated products marketed to children on store shelves, while the White House pressed for the change and promised not to seek further postponements.
The fight has also stirred anger over process and potential favoritism, with senators objecting to the last-minute insertion and noting the delay could benefit the son-in-law of Trump chief of staff Susie Wiles.
The standoff now threatens Senate leaders' plan to clear funding before the August recess as they also juggle Todd Blanche's attorney general nomination and a college-sports bill.