Here's today's biggest news: House Democrats will push a vote on removing federal penalties on #marijuana until after the Nov 3 election. Full story up now (with @sarahnferris) — #cannabisnews politico.com/news/2020/09/1…
Why?
Democrats lost control of the narrative.
Two weeks ago, this bill was about criminal justice reform and showing what Dems can do ahead of the Nov 3 election. Then Republicans used it to bludgeon them over the lack of a coronavirus aid package. politico.com/news/2020/09/1…
Moderates say their problem isn’t with the marijuana bill — it’s on the lack of a coronavirus deal.
“The focus of constituents — the real call for action, the real unmet needs out there — are emergency relief for the pandemic,” @AnthonyBrownMD4 told me earlier this week.
Advocates point out this is a line they've heard time and again.
“We like to tell people to wait when it comes to things related to justice, which is really frustrating, because that should be at the top of Congress members’ mind,” said @MaritzaCPerez
politico.com/news/2020/09/1…
So what now?
The vote is now expected in the "lame duck" session after Nov 3.
@RepBarbaraLee told me that the top focus is getting a huge favorable vote, from both sides of the aisle.
Since the Senate won't bring it up this year, a big vote = a big mandate for 2021-22.
UDPATE on this: @RepBarbaraLee and @repblumenauer just told me they have "an ironclad commitment" from House leadership that a vote on the #MOREAct will happen this fall. #cannabisnews
INBOX: “justice delayed is justice denied.” -@NORML
More #MOREAct Updates: @LeaderHoyer' office also just gave me this statement--
“Later this autumn, the House will pass the MORE Act with strong support as yet another crucial step toward making our justice system fair for all Americans.”
#cannabisnews
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