[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 190 (Monday, November 10, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8131]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        PAUL AMENDMENT NO. 3941

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, today I voted yes on the motion to 
table Senator Paul's amendment No. 3941 to strike a provision modifying 
the definition of hemp from the Agriculture Appropriations Act because 
I am concerned that existing Federal law creates the opportunity for 
unregulated and intoxicating synthetic hemp products to be marketed and 
sold to children. Current Maryland law bans these products, but without 
Federal action, they can still be distributed in our State. The 
language in the underlying bill would close that loophole while the 
Paul amendment would leave the loophole in place.
  While I support closing the loophole that allows these intoxicating 
products to be marketed and sold to children, we should use the 
implementation period in the bill to ensure a sustainable pathway 
forward for safe hemp products like CBD, which many people depend on to 
safely manage pain and other health conditions. We ultimately need 
balanced, science-based regulation that preserves access to safe 
products while protecting public health.

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