Senate Deadlock Over Hemp Provision Threatens Shutdown Resolution
By Brian Freeman | Monday, 10 November 2025 04:43 PM EST
Senate Republican and Democrat leaders confirmed on Monday that an objection from Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., must be resolved before the 41-day government shutdown can be expedited, according to reports. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., stated there is only one “objector” to accelerating the Senate’s consideration of the government funding package, specifically targeting Paul.
Paul asserted on X that his stance supports Kentucky jobs, emphasizing, “I am not delaying this bill. The timing is already fixed under Senate procedure.” He criticized a provision in the funding deal that would restrict the sale of intoxicating hemp-based products, arguing it harms Kentucky’s hemp farmers and small businesses. The contentious language stems from an Agriculture Department-funded bill aiming to ban unregulated online or retail sales of such products.
The Senate recently voted to end debate on a motion to advance a House-passed continuing resolution, marking a critical step toward passing the funding bill. However, procedural rules require 30 hours of post-cloture time before final voting can occur. Additional votes are needed to finalize the package, with all 100 senators required to agree to fast-track the process.
Brian Freeman, a journalist based in Israel, has covered culture and politics for over three decades across various media platforms.
