Senate rejects Paul’s hemp pitch

Grace Yarrow
11/10/2025, 8:19pm ET


Senators shot down an attempt by Sen. Rand Paul to eliminate language in their shutdown-ending deal that the Kentucky Republican argues will destroy the booming hemp industry. The amendment was blocked on a 76-24 vote with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Paul as the lone GOP senators in favor of proceeding, along with 22 Democrats.

The vote comes after Paul’s monthslong fight with senior appropriators Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Rep. Andy Harris (R-Md.) over a provision that would crack down on intoxicating hemp products that were legalized through the 2018 farm bill. The amendment’s failure clears the path for lawmakers to vote on final passage of a funding package that moves Congress closer to ending the record-breaking government shutdown.

Paul told reporters that his amendment wasn’t designed to “hold things up,” but to protect the hemp business that’s blossomed in Kentucky since 2018. “My goal is to condense the time, have one vote, express my displeasure with them screwing up an entire industry, and people will feel ... there’s at least been somebody fighting,” Paul said. The vote also marked the first time in years that senators were forced to take a public stance on how the government should regulate THC and hemp products.

McConnell championed the legalization of hemp production during negotiations over the 2018 farm bill. He has subsequently expressed privately that he views passing new language restricting the industry as key to preserving his agriculture policy legacy before he retires from the Senate in 2026.

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(CBS News) Washington — The Senate took a major step toward ending the government shutdown late Monday by passing a funding bill that unlocks a broader agreement on long-term spending and the promise of a future vote on extending health care tax credits.

The vote was 60-40, with eight Democrats providing the votes needed. One Republican voted against it.