Walsh was sworn in on Feb. 11. (Bill Clark/CQ Roll Call by Freeven pro"> by Freeven pro"> by Freeven pro">File Photo)
Roll Call
If you use marijuana in a state that has legalized pot for medicinal purposes, Sen. John Walsh wants to make sure you don’t lose your guns.
The Democratic senator from Montana, appointed earlier this year and facing a difficult race on Nov. 4, has filed an amendment to a spending package being considered on the Senate floor.
Walsh joins libertarian leaning Sen. Rand Paul in attaching a marijuana-related provision to the broad spending bill that includes funding for Commerce-Justice-Science, Transportation and Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture-FDA. But questions are arising over whether the Senate can by Freeven pro"> by Freeven pro"> by Freeven pro">complete work on the package because an agreement on amendments remains elusive.
Paul’s legislation would prevent the Department of Justice from blocking states attempting to implement their own laws related to medical marijuana.
“The federal government cannot deny Montanans who rely on medical marijuana their Second Amendment rights,” Walsh said in a statement. “This measure will ensure that patients can hunt, purchase ammunition and protect their homes without fear of prosecution.”