The first 100 days of the 46th presidency have started, and 4 senators have more say about it than anybody else. Any one-senator could throw a wrench into things.
The Senate has a practical split. 48 Democrats, 50 Republicans, and 2 Independents that typically align with Democrats over Republicans. This split gives the independent voices more power over outcomes. More power as they will decide if a bi-partisan vote will be broken by the VP. And more power to decide if a clear winner emerges from one side immediately.
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Senator Chuck Schumer D-NY
Chuck Schumer is the senior senator from New York. He’s been in the office since 1998. Now Schumer is the majority leader of the Senate. He will decide whether or not any marijuana bills are even heard on the Senate floor. This will give him the most initial power on marijuana-related bills. Schumer has shown in the past that he supports the MORE Act. The MORE Act would end federal criminalization and deschedule cannabis leaving the item up to each state to decide as it sees fit. Once he has decided to allow it on the floor. The next three will likely be the call makers.
Senator Joe Manchin D-WV
He may have a D beside his name, but Joe Manchin doesn’t always toe the party line. Manchin has already vocalized his opposition to basic $1400 stimulus extensions his party supports for several reasons. Manchin has also stated in the past that he isn’t a fan of legalizing marijuana. He has stated that he wants to focus on states’ rights concerning the matter. The MORE act may be something he could go along with. The most positive thing is that in the past he has voted to give Veterans Equal Access. If Manchin goes against the Democrats on cannabis, it could be a death blow.
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Senator Angus King I-ME
Angus King is an Independent Senator from the state of Maine. He’s been in office since 2013 and reelected in 2018 to serve until 2025. King isn’t exactly a leader when it comes to cannabis. That’s not to say that he hasn’t supported legislation by being a co-sponsor on several senate bills. As well, King has backed bi-partisan legislation to allow the VA to study the effectiveness of medical cannabis for veterans facing common diagnoses. In 2017 an agent of King told the Portland Press Harold of Maine,
“He believes the federal government should not interfere with state laws on this issue, and instead give states the ability to make and implement policy based on the wishes of their citizens.”
King may be a yes vote for the MORE Act if he follows his previous statements and his constituents wishes.
Senator Bernie Sanders I-VT
Senator Bernie Sanders has been in office as an Independent senator since 2006. Sanders supports the legalization of marijuana nationwide, full record expungement of those who have been harmed, and creating an industry that allows participation and ownership by those from the communities hardest hit by criminalization. He was the first Senator in U.S. history to introduce a bill to end marijuana prohibition. You know that he’ll vote to move marijuana forward.
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