The Compassionate Coalition

From: Dale Gieringer
To: dpfca@drugsense.org
Cc:
Date: Thursday, July 26, 2007 11:15 AM
Subject: (Coops) Hinchey-Rohrabacher Vote Disappoints

Disappointing Showing for Hinchey-Rohrabacher Amendment to End Funding for DEA MMJ Raids
Despite the strong shift in last year's election, opponents of the DEA's war on medical MJ picked up only two more votes in support of the Hinchey-Rohrabacher amendment, which would have cut off DOJ funding for DEA MMJ raids. The final vote was 165 to 262, compared to 163-259 last year. Supporters of the DEA actually picked up three votes, including two from California: Democrat Jim Costa, who voted for H-R last year, and, disappointingly, freshman Dem., Jerry McNerney, who had privately indicated that he was supportive beforehand.
As in previous years, California Democrats voted strongly in favor of Hinchey-Rohrabacher, though by a reduced margin. Costa and McNerney were joined by long-time opponents Rep. Dennis Cardoza (Merced) and Joe Baca (San Bernardino) in voting no. Dem. Pete Stark, a long-time supporter of MMJ, was absent for the vote. Another supporter from last year, Rep. Pelosi, didn't vote because she is Speaker.
As usual, California Republicans overwhelmingly showed their prohibitionist colors by voting against H-R. Like last year, two Orange County Republicans joined co-sponsor Dana Rohrabacher in favor: Rep. John Campbell and Ed Royce.
The disappointing outcome reflects several factors: the continuing lack of interest in DEA MMJ raids outside California; the political strength of the DEA in Washington DC; and the essential legislative weakness of the amendment itself, which did not try to change federal law but rather to withhold funding for its enforcement, a clumsy and imperfect remedy for fixing bad laws. Congressional insiders say it will require a change of leadership in the White House to effect any change in federal MMJ policy.
- D. Gieringer

Go to http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll733.xml to see how your congresscritter voted.
Vote on Hinchey-Rohrabacher: 165 to 262

149 D say yes, 80 say no

15 R say yes, 182 say no

2 more votes for than last year
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