The Democratic Senate sponsor of a bipartisan marijuana banking bill says it’s “great” and “helpful” that former President Donald Trump has come out in support of the reform—though the pathway to passage in the chamber remains uncertain.
Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) told Marijuana Moment on Tuesday that, because there has generally been an agreement not to insert additional policy-related provisions into a continuing resolution to keep the federal government funded, lawmakers will “look to the next possible vehicle” to advance the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act.
Asked whether Trump’s newfound support for cannabis industry banking access could move the needle on the GOP side, the senator said he thinks “it’s great” that the 2024 GOP nominee has taken that position, adding that the legislation has “never been a partisan” issue.
“We’ve got both blue and red states that have either medical cannabis or recreational cannabis—and more and more across the country… it’s supported by the people of the country,” he said. And the former president’s embrace of the issue is “helpful” because it underscores that sense of bipartisanship.
As far as whether Trump’s backing for the SAFER Banking Act will bring more crucial Republican support needed to
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