1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I urge you to reject the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026, or at minimum, support efforts to strip the devastating, last-minute language regarding hemp-derived cannabinoid products (such as Delta-8 and Delta-10 THC) from the bill. This provision, which was reportedly inserted late in negotiations, is an act of harmful, non-germane policy-making buried in a must-pass spending bill. This is a clear abuse of the appropriations process, often attributed to efforts championed by Senator McConnell, and it serves only to destroy a nascent, multi-billion-dollar American industry and the livelihoods of countless farmers and small business owners. I am particularly concerned by the highly restrictive language, including the new 0.4 milligrams Total THC per container limit, which would re-criminalize over 95% of the currently legal hemp products nationwide. This action is protectionist and appears heavily influenced by lobbying from elements within the major alcohol industry trade associations, who view hemp beverages as direct competition. This proposed prohibition ignores relative public health risks. Alcohol remains responsible for hundreds of thousands of deaths and injuries annually, yet highly-regulated, low-dose hemp products—which many consumers use as a less intoxicating alternative to alcohol—are being targeted for a complete federal ban. Instead of enacting a market-killing prohibition, Congress should work on a robust, science-based regulatory framework (including age-gating, testing, and labeling standards) that promotes consumer safety while preserving American farms and businesses. Please reject this unnecessary, destructive language and vote against any bill that contains it.