U.S. House passes stopgap bill to avert shutdown and delay hemp restrictions

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a stopgap spending bill, a continuing resolution, to prevent a federal government shutdown. The measure extends funding through December 11, providing a temporary reprieve before the current fiscal year expires. The bill includes policy guardrails, such as blocking a proposed rule regarding federal grant funding reviews and preventing the transfer of funds to the Border Patrol.

Included in this funding extension is a provision that delays impending federal hemp restrictions. These restrictions, which would have implemented a ‘total THC standard’ and potentially eliminated 95% of existing hemp-derived products, were originally set to take effect on November 12. The delay provides a temporary reprieve for hemp entrepreneurs and retailers, though the industry remains uncertain as the December 11 deadline approaches.