House passes landmark bill to decriminalize marijuana



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This is the first major bill to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system that Congress has passed since June, when the House, in response to a nationwide outcry for racial justice, passed a bill. of the Police Overhaul Act, which was ultimately blocked. by partisan disagreement. To date, Congress has yet to send legislation to the president’s office dealing with the issue since nationwide protests last summer.

“It is part of the same effort to enable minority communities to live on an equal footing in this country,” Nadler said.

Republicans denounced the bill and blasted Democrats for bringing it to the ground before lawmakers reached a compromise on coronavirus relief. Democrats postponed voting on planned legislation earlier in the fall after some moderate lawmakers facing tough re-election races worried about pushing back those attacks, in a campaign in which Republicans called them back. accused of supporting a radical liberal program.

“Within days of the year to do something for the suffering American people, President Pelosi has introduced a drug legalization bill,” said Rep. Pete Stauber, Republican of Minnesota. “As children struggle to receive their education and childcare centers close; as the elders remain isolated from their families, this is their solution.

Five Republicans left their party to support the bill, as did Michigan libertarian Representative Justin Amash. – But some who ultimately voted for the bill voiced their complaints.

“If Pelosi were serious about marijuana reform, we would vote on the state law, which would go through the Senate and be enacted,” said Rep. Matt Gaetz, Republican of Florida, referring to a draft. Bipartisan law introduced to the Senate that legalize marijuana. “But she’s not. So we’ll do that instead.

Mr Gaetz added, “I prefer my marijuana reform not to be immersed in the politics of redress, frankly.

For Democrats, that was exactly the point.

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