1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I'm writing to urge you to ensure the government funding bill includes language to extend the hemp regulatory deadline by three years. While hemp extension language is on the table for the continuing resolution, it needs leadership to get across the finish line. Without immediate action on this funding package, there likely won't be another opportunity before the industry collapses. The hemp industry faces devastating extinction in November unless Congress acts immediately. Make no mistake, the current ban would go into effect just days after the 2026 midterms, likely triggering mass business closures before voters head to the polls. This ban targets products utilized daily by over 30 million Americans, many of whom will blame Congressional leadership for stripping away their wellness alternatives. Keep In Mind the Why: This isn't about avoiding regulation -- it's about preventing economic catastrophe. A three year extension gives policymakers the time needed to build comprehensive regulations that protect consumers, while preserving American hemp businesses and keeping jobs in the United States. Without it, over 95% of the industry will be destroyed, forcing businesses to let go of hundreds of thousands of employees, pushing consumers toward dangerous alternatives, including unregulated illicit products, highly addictive opioids, or foreign supplies with less oversight than American-made products. The clock is ticking. Hundreds of thousands of American farmers, workers, veterans, seniors, and small business owners are counting on Congressional leadership to include hemp extension language in this funding bill. I urge you to make this a priority and ensure the government funding bill includes language to extend the hemp regulatory deadline.