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Congressman Griffith Co-Introduces Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection Act for FDA Regulation

Congressman Griffith Co-Introduces Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection Act for FDA Regulation

U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA), alongside Representative Marc Veasey, has co-introduced the Hemp Enforcement, Modernization, and Protection Act (H.R. 7212). This proposed legislation aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for cannabinoid hemp products intended for human consumption. The bill specifically directs the FDA to undertake rulemaking processes to define cannabinoid limits and other federal guardrails for these products. Congressman Griffith has highlighted a new December window as a critical opportunity for the White House, lawmakers, and stakeholders to collaborate and build collective support for a workable regulatory approach to hemp. This initiative is part of a broader congressional effort to address the challenges and opportunities within the rapidly evolving hemp industry, moving towards a more standardized and safe marketplace.

President Trump delays federal hemp ban. What it means for Texas

President Trump delays federal hemp ban. What it means for Texas

President Donald Trump has delayed a federal crackdown on hemp-derived THC products, but Texas' ban on most hemp-derived THC products remains in effect.

Representative Andy Barr Co-Sponsors Legislation to Regulate Hemp Products Amidst Looming Federal Ban

Representative Andy Barr Co-Sponsors Legislation to Regulate Hemp Products Amidst Looming Federal Ban

Representative Andy Barr (R-KY) has co-sponsored a legislative proposal with Representative Angie Craig (D-MN) aimed at broadly regulating hemp products. This initiative comes as a federal ban on most hemp products containing THC, initially set for November 12, has been delayed until December 11. The current federal definition, established by the 2018 Farm Bill, legalized hemp as cannabis with no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC by dry weight. However, a new federal definition, passed last November, restricts finished hemp products to contain no more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container, a measure that would render many full-spectrum CBD products illegal. This new definition captures even trace amounts of naturally occurring THC, impacting products not intended for intoxication. The delay provides a brief reprieve for the industry, which faces significant operational challenges due to the impending ban, including issues with raw material sourcing, co-packing schedules, and retailer purchasing de...

U.S. Representative Tony Wied Advocates for Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act

U.S. Representative Tony Wied Advocates for Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act

U.S. Representative Tony Wied, a Republican congressman representing Wisconsin's 8th Congressional District, is actively promoting the Cybersecurity for Small Businesses Act. This proposed federal legislation aims to provide clearer guidelines and enhanced support for small businesses in navigating cybersecurity challenges. According to Wied's office, the bill would mandate the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to collaborate with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) to disseminate best practices for cybersecurity to small businesses. Additionally, the SBA would be required to work with the Department of Defense to provide information on cybersecurity requirements for defense contractors under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification. Wied emphasizes that current SBA resources may not fully reflect up-to-date best practices from other agencies, potentially leaving small businesses vulnerable and forcing them to incur unnecessary expenses to meet unclear requirements.

Trump’s Bizarre History With 9/11

Trump’s Bizarre History With 9/11

The president has spent the past 25 years using the tragedy to fluff his ego and score political points

Farm State Republicans Face Political Bind Over Trump's Policies Ahead of Midterm Elections

Farm State Republicans Face Political Bind Over Trump's Policies Ahead of Midterm Elections

Republicans in U.S. farm states are confronting a challenging political landscape as the 2026 midterm elections approach. These lawmakers find themselves in a difficult position, needing to defend President Trump's policies while simultaneously addressing the negative economic impacts these policies have on their agricultural constituents. Key issues include tariffs, increased beef imports, and high fuel and fertilizer prices, all of which are significantly affecting farming communities. For instance, diesel prices recently hit a record high of $5.90, and gasoline reached approximately $4.15 a gallon over Labor Day weekend, largely due to the ongoing war with Iran. The escalating trade dispute with Canada is also threatening agricultural exports and increasing the cost of machinery. Furthermore, a recent Trump administration decision to temporarily expand tariff-free imports of lean beef has drawn criticism from cattle ranchers. Representative Zach Nunn of Iowa, who represents a swing district, has voiced ...

Congressmen Introduce 'Flock-Off Act' to Ban Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Congressmen Introduce 'Flock-Off Act' to Ban Federal Funding for Surveillance Cameras Amid Privacy Concerns

Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) and Eric Burlison (R-Mo.) have introduced the 'Flock-Off Act' in Congress, aiming to prohibit federal funding for Flock surveillance cameras. This legislative effort comes amidst a growing national debate regarding the balance between public safety and individual privacy. Cosponsor Rep. Ro Khanna (D-Calif.) has voiced strong opposition to the technology on the House floor, emphasizing concerns about the potential for a surveillance state in America. The debate centers on the use of AI-powered license-plate readers by Flock Safety, which proponents argue are crucial tools for law enforcement in identifying suspects and solving crimes, while opponents fear an expansion of surveillance that could lead to privacy abuses, including the tracking and deportation of undocumented immigrants by agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Several Bay Area cities have grappled with these issues, with some cutting ties with Flock Safety and others, like San Jose, Oakland, and Ri...

U.S. Representative Sewell Criticizes Supreme Court Decision on Political Ad Rates, Citing Amplified Influence of Big Money

U.S. Representative Sewell Criticizes Supreme Court Decision on Political Ad Rates, Citing Amplified Influence of Big Money

U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham) has publicly criticized the U.S. Supreme Court's recent decision to temporarily pause a lower court's ruling concerning 'lowest unit charge' advertising rates for political parties and joint fundraising committees. The Supreme Court's action effectively restores a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) notice, which mandates that television and radio broadcasters offer discounted advertising rates to these political entities. Representative Sewell expressed her strong disapproval on social media, stating that the decision 'shamelessly handed Republicans another last-minute win' and would 'amplify the influence of big money in our elections.' She emphasized that democracy should prioritize voters, not the ability of campaigns to outspend others. The Supreme Court's rationale for its decision was that without the discounted rates, political committees would face higher advertising costs, hindering their efforts to reach the electorate in the critical weeks lea...

House Delays Vote on Russia Sanctions Package Amid Tariff Concerns and Midterm Focus

House Delays Vote on Russia Sanctions Package Amid Tariff Concerns and Midterm Focus

The House of Representatives has delayed action on a Russia sanctions package that previously passed the Senate with bipartisan support. The bill, which targets Russian officials, oligarchs, financial institutions, and their families, has encountered a roadblock in the House due to concerns from some Democrats regarding a provision that would grant President Trump expanded authority to impose targeted tariffs on countries purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil or gas. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise indicated that discussions are ongoing, and a decision on when to bring the bill to a vote has not yet been made. With the House scheduled for only four legislative days before the midterm elections, the likelihood of the sanctions package being addressed before then appears slim, potentially pushing the issue until after the midterms.

Representative Frank Pallone Scrutinizes Independent Dispute Resolution Entities Over No Surprises Act Compliance and Rising Healthcare Costs

Representative Frank Pallone Scrutinizes Independent Dispute Resolution Entities Over No Surprises Act Compliance and Rising Healthcare Costs

Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-New Jersey) has initiated an oversight inquiry into six independent dispute resolution (IDR) entities. These entities, including C2C Innovative Solutions, Commence, Dane Street, EdiPhy Advisors, National Medical Reviews, and ProPeer Resources, are being scrutinized for their compliance with the No Surprises Act. Representative Pallone expressed concerns that the IDR process is not functioning as Congress intended, potentially leading to increased out-of-pocket costs and higher insurance premiums for consumers. The No Surprises Act was designed to protect patients from unexpected medical bills by requiring insurers and providers to negotiate payment disputes before resorting to IDR. However, the number of disputes filed in 2025 significantly exceeded initial estimates, with 2.5 million disputes compared to an anticipated 17,000 annually. Many of these cases are reportedly initiated by a small group of private equity-backed providers. Pallone...

Senator John Boozman Addresses Proposition 12 and Farm Bill Challenges Amidst Bipartisan Divide

Senator John Boozman Addresses Proposition 12 and Farm Bill Challenges Amidst Bipartisan Divide

Senator John Boozman, a Republican from Arkansas and Chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, has been actively involved in discussions surrounding California's Proposition 12 and its potential inclusion in the federal farm bill. Proposition 12 mandates specific livestock production standards, particularly for breeding pigs, requiring at least 24 square feet of usable floor space and generally preventing the use of traditional gestation crates for products sold in California. While Senator Boozman supports congressional action to address Proposition 12, he acknowledged in April that the Senate farm bill was unlikely to adopt the House's approach due to a lack of Democratic support. The House had passed a farm bill provision that would prevent states from imposing livestock production standards on products originating outside their borders. A proposed compromise, which would grandfather existing state laws while preventing new similar requirements, also failed to gain Democratic backing. Senate Democra...

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick Advocates for Faster Labor Contracts Act to Strengthen Workers' Bargaining Power

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick Advocates for Faster Labor Contracts Act to Strengthen Workers' Bargaining Power

Representative Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) is championing the Faster Labor Contracts Act, a legislative proposal aimed at expediting the negotiation process for first contracts between newly unionized workers and their employers. The Act mandates that employers begin bargaining within 10 days of a union notification. If an agreement is not reached after 90 days of good-faith negotiations, the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service would intervene. Should mediation fail, federal arbitrators could issue a binding two-year decision to resolve the impasse. Fitzpatrick highlights that current delays often leave workers without a contract for an average of a year and a half, undermining their ability to secure better wages, benefits, and working conditions. He cites examples like nurses at St. Mary Medical Center in Bucks County and UPMC Magee-Women's Hospital in Pittsburgh, who, despite voting to organize, have faced prolonged negotiations for their first contracts.