Senate Minority Leader Rand Paul is demanding a vote on his amendment to remove language that would target Kentucky’s hemp industry from a spending deal aimed at ending the 41-day government shutdown. A spokesperson for Paul confirmed the senator’s demand for the vote, which is slowing down Senate GOP leaders as they work to finalize the shutdown resolution.
Paul’s insistence on the issue is creating tension with Senate GOP leaders, particularly Sens. Mitch McConnell and Andy Harris, who oppose the amendment. The amendment, which would effectively preserve the status quo, is seen as an unnecessary complication to a critical budgetary process. Lipsky stated that Paul aims to protect Kentucky’s hemp industry and associated jobs by ensuring the final bill excludes the contentious language.
With the shutdown threatening to drag on for weeks, the GOP leadership is under pressure to expedite the spending deal. However, Paul’s demand for a vote is complicating the process, as it could delay the final approval of the bill before it reaches the House and President Trump. The senator’s focus on the hemp issue highlights his broader commitment to state sovereignty and economic interests of rural communities in Kentucky.
While the opposition to the amendment is strong, Paul’s position reflects a growing debate within the Republican Party about the role of federal regulation in state-led industries. The outcome of this vote could have significant implications for the hemp industry and the broader debate over federal oversight of state-based economic activities.