Senate Passes Stopgap Spending Measure Funding Federal Agencies Through December

• The Senate passed a stopgap spending measure to fund federal agencies through December, avoiding a potential government shutdown.
• The bill includes exceptions negotiated with the White House, including preventing money from being transferred to the Border Patrol and rejecting $1 billion for a new 'Trump-class' battleship.
• A one-month delay in the national ban on most intoxicating hemp products was included in the bill, sparking controversy among some Senate Republicans.
• The delayed ban may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions against companies failing to comply with federal law.

The only person who wants these golden ships is Donald Trump so he can slap his name on them

In a departure from typical legislative timing, the Senate passed a stopgap spending measure to fund federal agencies through December, avoiding a potentially chaotic government shutdown during the middle of campaign season. This unusual action comes nearly two months before the end of the fiscal year on September 30th. The 90-6 vote demonstrates lawmakers' desire to avoid another historic shutdown, which occurred twice this past year. Senate Majority Leader John Thune's efforts to address funding before senators went home for their five-week recess contributed to the bill's passage. Despite some contentious issues, the measure had broad bipartisan support.

The bill generally funds the federal government at current levels through December 11th, but includes several exceptions negotiated with the White House. Democrats secured language to prevent money from being transferred to the Border Patrol, while rejecting the White House's request for $1 billion towards a new 'Trump-class' battleship. The inclusion of a one-month delay in the national ban on most intoxicating hemp products sparked outrage among some Senate Republicans, who argue it puts children at risk. Sen. Ted Budd (R-N.C.) expressed concerns about the increase in cannabis-related emergency room visits by minors in his state since 2017.

The delayed national ban on intoxicating hemp products may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions against companies that fail to comply with federal law. The hemp industry views the delay as an opportunity for Congress to craft legislation protecting farmers and businesses while implementing safeguards to protect children. Trump himself has discussed the issue with Budd, but did not specifically ask him to drop his effort. Democratic lawmakers, along with Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), secured language blocking new regulations on federal grants during the funding patch's duration.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential impact of the delayed national ban on most intoxicating hemp products, which may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and enforcement actions against companies that fail to comply with federal law.

Source: Original reporting via Associated Press