House Welcomes, Senate Warms Up to New SAFE Banking Act
WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressmembers are sending positive signals about a modified version of a federal banking bill that would benefit the cannabis industry. The House seems poised to approve the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act for the eighth time, while key senators from both sides of the aisle appear committed to getting it through the 118th Congress. Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Steve Daines (R-MT), along with Reps. Dave Joyce (R-OH) and Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), reintroduced the bill as the SAFE Banking Act of 2023 , highlighting Washington’s strong bipartisan support for common-sense legislation a majority of voters from all political parties support. If passed, the bills would ensure legal cannabis businesses can access traditional business banking and financial services. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said he has “worked very hard to make progress on SAFE Banking Plus,” ensuring the Senate version of the bill contains critical criminal justice provis...