Authorizing Privately-Funded Ballroom, Legislation Preventing Destruction Of Billion-Dollar Hemp Industry

Editor’s note: As other authors have pointed out, allowing the ballroom to be funded by private investors instead of by taxpayers is actually worse, due to the likelihood of corruption and pay-to-play schemes. A Public Citizen report alleged that donors to the project, including major corporations, subsequently secured billions in government contracts.  This is the definition of corruption. The National Trust for Historic Preservation filed a lawsuit over the project, leading to temporary halts in construction by the Courts, which this legislation is intended to overcome by making the whole project legal under Congressional legislation, though it can be expected that the challenges would remain.   Readers can learn all about these types of schemes by large corporations and others seeking to essentially buy a politicians’ support for whatever projects they are interested in advancing – usually rather unpopular, such as the scandal that put Ohio’s state representative in jail for ten years.  He took campaign funds from a ‘private donor’ through a 501(c)4 fund, but he was aware of who the donor was, and he used his power in the statehouse to advance their heavily polluting project that was deeply unpopular.  It did not stay unpopular for long, since they used expensive ads and canvassing with clipboards to convince the public that they should not trust those opposed to this project, which involved a major polluter using fossil fuel getting around regulations requiring competitive bids and other legislative processes in order to expedite approval.  This corruption was uncovered and actually prosecuted.  Perhaps the most bizarre part of that story came when he was already convicted but still running for the same seat – and he actually STILL WON! 

Regarding the issue of hemp and cannabis, the OBBBA bill, which was signed into law back in November, essentially seeks to shut down and destroy the thriving hemp industry by, after eight years of a single definition of hemp that fostered such success, changing the definition completely.  Instead of the delta-9 THC content being at a certain level, it requires all types of THC to be below a certain level.  This requires the destruction of millions of crops that have already been grown, processed, and distributed, if they cannot pass the new test levels.  This will be an excessive burden on an already-burdened industry hampered by states slow to codify regulations and process applications, such as New York, along with other states that have placed other administrative hurdles in front of such businesses.  All for a harmless substance that, to this day, has NEVER killed anyone.  Ever.  There has never been an overdose from cannabis to an adult in any form.  Even the dreaded Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome has only caused less than ten deaths, which are from dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to vomiting rather than any effect of the cannabis itself.  And nearly all of the kids who consumed cannabis gummies accidentally also returned home, with only a handful actually dying from it.  While they may have gone to the hospital due to being scared about the symptoms they were experiencing, they mosty returned home again after monitoring and IV fluids.  Nothing was wrong with them, they suffered no long-term damage, and they lived to tell about it.  Other drugs that are not even on as high of a schedule as cannabis, such as opium and cocaine, have killed many people due to overdoses, and they are allowed to be used medically despite this risk.  Including, for example, fentanyl – the same fentanyl that is responsible for thousands of overdose deaths every year – that is used in epidurals for nearly every pregnant woman who gives birth.  Some women or their infants have died or suffered debilitating effects from it, but its use is allowed while cannabis, which has demonstrated great pain-relieving potential with less risk, is not.  

Chairman Paul to Introduce a Bill for President Trump’s New Ballroom Project to Move Forward 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Rand Paul (R-KY), Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and a member of the National Capital Planning Commission (NCPC), will introduce a bill tomorrow to authorize construction of the proposed new White House ballroom.

The NCPC thoroughly reviewed the project earlier this month, and Chairman Paul voted in favor of approval. Considering the assignation attempt at this year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner, the legislation will allow the ballroom to proceed without requiring additional taxpayer funds and will establish an expedited congressional review process for major White House projects going forward.

“Following the security scare at the Correspondents’ Dinner, it is clear we need efficient, responsible processes to address White House infrastructure needs,” said Chairman Paul. “As HSGAC Chairman and an NCPC Commissioner, I have personally reviewed and supported this project. My bill cuts through the unnecessary legal delays getting in the way of the East Wing Modernization project. This bill ensures the ballroom can move forward using private funding, protects taxpayers, and creates a faster approval pathway for critical improvements while maintaining congressional oversight. I will ask to pass my bill by unanimous consent tomorrow.”

Dr. Rand Paul Introduces the Bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Dr. Rand Paul (R-KY) today introduced the bipartisan Hemp Safety Enforcement Act, a bipartisan bill that empowers states and Tribal governments to regulate and ensure the safety of hemp and hemp-derived products, preventing a looming federal crackdown from shutting down a thriving, multi-billion-dollar American industry.

The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act is cosponsored by Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA).

The hemp sector faces extinction because of a provision buried in the 2026 agricultural appropriations bill that effectively bans most hemp products nationwide.

“Half the states have already set up their own smart rules, THC limits, age restrictions, and safety standards that let hemp farmers grow, manufacturers innovate, and consumers stay safe,” said Dr. Paul. “Washington shouldn’t wipe out those efforts or destroy jobs and access to products that help our veterans, our elderly, and families across the country. This bill gives states the freedom to regulate hemp responsibly while keeping dangerous synthetics off the market and ensuring products can move freely between states.”

“I’ve heard loud and clear from brewers, farmers, and small businesses in Minnesota – a federal ban on hemp products will be devastating. Minnesota is a national leader in hemp products, and Congress should recognize that leadership and commitment to consumer safety. I appreciate Senator Paul for his continued partnership on this issue, and I will continue to push in the Senate for a solution that protects Minnesota’s small businesses and farmers,” said Sen. Klobuchar (D-MN).

The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act is endorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Kentucky, U.S. Hemp Roundtable, Hemp Beverage Alliance, Hemp Industry and Farmers of America, and Cornbread Hemp.

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Commander Nicole Horseman of the VFW Kentucky says, “From our perspective, a balance matters. A full ban risks cutting off access and slowing down research at a time when we should be learning more about what actually helps veterans, not less. The Veterans of Foreign Wars has been clear at the national level that we support continued research and access to alternative treatments, and we see your legislation as being consistent with that goal.

Jonathan Miller, General Counsel for U.S. Hemp Roundtable, says, “The U.S. Hemp Roundtable, indeed the entire domestic hemp industry, is deeply grateful to Senators Rand Paul and Amy Klobuchar for their introduction of legislation that would provide for the continued sale of valued hemp products in states with regulatory programs, despite the impending federal ban. This legislation would provide invaluable protection for farmers, small businesses, and consumers who rely on these products for their health and wellness. Senators Paul and Klobuchar continue to demonstrate their steadfast support for this promising agricultural industry.” –

Christopher Lackner, Founder and President of Hemp Beverage Alliance, says, “The Hemp Beverage Alliance applauds Senator Paul and Senator Klobuchar for standing up for the hemp industry. A majority of the states in the country already have a hemp regulatory framework in place to protect public health, with several other states currently working on creating their own regulations. This commonsense bill will allow those states to continue building a flourishing hemp market that creates jobs and generates much-needed tax revenue.”

Jim Higdon, Co-Founder and Chief Communications Officer of Cornbread Hemp, says, “As a Kentucky hemp company, we’re deeply grateful to Senators Rand Paul and Amy Klobuchar for legislation that protects the continued sale of hemp products in states with regulatory programs. Kentucky farmers and businesses like ours have built real value to the American economy — full spectrum CBD products that consumers depend on for their health and hemp beverages that many enjoy for wellness. This legislation will allow states to work together to get this right.” –

What the Hemp Safety Enforcement Act does:

• Gives states and Tribes an opt-out: Any state or Tribal government can simply notify the federal government and take full control of hemp regulation.
• Builds in real safety protections: States choosing self-regulation must enforce a minimum age for buying hemp-derived cannabinoid products and keep the ban on synthetic cannabinoids that do not naturally occur in the hemp plant. While protecting kids from intoxicating synthetics is important, a blanket federal prohibition threatens legitimate farmers, small businesses, veterans, seniors, and millions of everyday Americans who rely on safe, non-intoxicating hemp-derived products for health and wellness.
• Protects interstate commerce: No state can block legal hemp or hemp-derived products from moving to or from other states that have also opted out.
• Aligns with pro-research policy: Consistent with President Trump’s Executive Order on expanding medical marijuana and CBD research, the bill preserves access to beneficial products while cracking down on real dangers.

The Hemp Safety Enforcement Act will protect kids while allowing Kentucky farmers, American manufacturers, and consumers nationwide to benefit from hemp-derived products.

Read the bill here.

Banner Image: Cannabis flower. Image Credit – Esteban López