Most Republicans (172) voted against this amendment, yet it passed. Most Dems voted in favor. And the author sticks in an editorial comment like, "the soon to be Republican-controlled Senate". This measure should pass the Senate and Obama should sign it, but the Republicans should get no credit whatsoever for it.
U.S. House Passes Amendment to End Federal Interference in Medical Marijuana Operations!
Late last night, the United States House of Representatives voted in favor of an appropriation amendment that would effectively end the federal government’s ability to raid dispensaries and arrest medical marijuana patients. If the amendment, which passed by a healthy 219-189 count, sees further approval from the Senate and then President Obama, the Department of Justice, and the Drug Enforcement Administration would be prevented “from using taxpayer funds to interfere in state-sanctioned medical marijuana programs.”
Unsurprisingly, the Democrat-backed bill–expected by experts to pass–saw a major party discrepancy. A mere 17 Democrats voted against the amendment, while 172 Republicans voted Nay:
In addition to aiding medical marijuana businesses and patients, the 2015 Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Bill would also prevent federal authorities from investing funds and efforts against hemp cultivation. If the bill passes its next stages and goes into effect, the change in policy would signify a major blow to prohibition–and provide growers, patients, and activists with more security than they’ve ever had.
NORML Communications Director, Erik Altieri, reinforced this notion on behalf of NORML, stating “It would be hard to overstate the importance of tonight’s vote. Approval of this amendment is a resounding victory for basic compassion and common sense.”
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