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Palmer Criticizes Pelosi for Prioritizing Marijuana as Americans Struggle

December 4, 2020

For Immediate Release
Media Contact: Elizabeth Hance (202) 225-4921

Palmer Criticizes Pelosi for Prioritizing Marijuana as Americans Struggle

Washington, D.C. – This week in Washington, Speaker Nancy Pelosi called the House of Representatives into session, prioritizing votes on legislation that would legalize marijuana and ban private ownership of exotic animals. Congressman Palmer (AL-06) released the following statement:

"Speaker Pelosi and her clueless Democrat colleagues have proven over and over again that their top priorities do not include the hardworking Americans who need help to get through this pandemic," Palmer said. "This week, their prioritization of pot legalization while people are struggling is a stunning display of partisan politics and shows just how out of touch Democrats are with the American people. The timing of this bill not only reflects a disregard for the businesses that need further relief funding, but also for the rampant mental health and drug overdose issues exacerbated by the pandemic.

"Federal surveys show that since the coronavirus arrived in the U.S., depression and anxiety have been on the rise, with a concerning 75% of young adults now struggling with at least one mental health or drug problem," Palmer continued. "The Center for Disease Control has also predicted that the U.S. could see 75,500 drug overdose deaths in 2020 if recent trends hold. Pelosi's pot bill is even more unconscionable with these concerning facts in mind, especially as it ignores common sense safety measures around marijuana use, and also funnels taxpayer dollars to the marijuana industry and convicted drug dealers. In short, the bill would grant easier access to a gateway drug for already vulnerable and struggling people.

"Furthermore, at a time when we should be helping people with employment opportunities, this bill would move us in the wrong direction. Companies with drug-free work environments, many of them also hazardous work environments, should not and will not employ people who might come to work drug-impaired, endangering themselves and others. I hope we don't waste more opportunities next week for needed relief."

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act (MORE Act) passed the House today by a vote of 228-164.

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