Congress Must Do More Than Marijuana Banking Bill
Washington, D.C. – Below is a statement from Queen Adesuyi, Policy Coordinator at Drug Policy Alliance’s Office of National Affairs, in response to the House’s passage of the SAFE Banking Act (H.R.1595) and House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler committing to a vote on the MORE Act (H.R.3884/S.2227).
“We had no objections to the substance of the SAFE Banking bill. However, DPA and allies from the civil rights community sent a letter of concern because we believe it is a mistake for the House to pass an incremental industry bill before passing a comprehensive bill that prioritizes equity and justice for the communities who have suffered the most under prohibition. We have long feared that passing SAFE Banking would undermine passage of the MORE Act by taking the momentum out of marijuana reform. The onus is now upon House Democrats to prove us wrong and pass the MORE Act.
We are encouraged by the announcement from House Judiciary Chairman Jerry Nadler that he intends to hold a vote on MORE and will push him in the coming weeks to commit to a date. We also thank Majority Leader Hoyer for his commitment to work with Mr. Nadler and others to advance broader marijuana reform in this Congress. The marijuana banking bill cannot be the end of the road for marijuana reform this Congress.”
