Senate Deadlock on Hemp Sparks Longer Government Shutdown

Senators rejected an amendment by Rand Paul to protect Kentucky's hemp industry from new regulations, on a 76-24 vote, as Congress moves closer to ending the government shutdown. The vote highlights ongoing debates over hemp regulation, with key figures like Mitch McConnell supporting stricter rules to curb intoxicating hemp products, while industry advocates and some Democrats oppose these measures, fearing they could destroy the industry. The shutdown deal is progressing towards final approval, with legislative negotiations continuing on related issues like cryptocurrency regulation and federal agency appointments.