1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over the recent Senate vote rejecting an amendment to remove hemp industry restrictions in the government funding deal. This decision, which passed with a 76-24 vote, represents an unnecessary infringement on personal liberties and could have detrimental effects on a promising agricultural sector. The hemp industry has shown tremendous potential for economic growth and job creation, particularly in rural areas. By maintaining these restrictions, we are stifling innovation and limiting opportunities for farmers and entrepreneurs. Moreover, the rationale behind these restrictions is fundamentally flawed. Intoxicating hemp products, when used responsibly by adults, have been shown to have minimal negative societal impact. As your constituent, I urge you to take a stand against these unwarranted restrictions when the House votes on this package. The government should not be in the business of limiting personal freedoms, especially when there is little evidence to support such limitations. Instead, we should be focusing on policies that promote economic growth and individual liberty. The ongoing government shutdown, now in its 41st day, has already caused significant hardship for many Americans. While I understand the urgency to pass a funding deal and reopen the government, it is crucial that we do not rush through legislation that includes problematic provisions such as these hemp industry restrictions. I respectfully request that you vote against any package that includes these restrictions and advocate for their removal. If removal is not possible at this stage, I ask that you commit to addressing this issue in future legislation. Our government should be working to expand opportunities and protect personal freedoms, not restrict them based on unfounded fears or misinformation. Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to hearing about your stance on this issue and the actions you plan to take to protect both our economic interests and personal liberties.