House Fails To Pass Hinchey Amendment; States, Activists & Supporters Undaunted, Continue To Support Patients

The US House of Representatives failed to pass the 'Hinchey Amendment' on June 15, 2005. USA Today reported on June 15, 2005 ( "States Still Push For Medical Pot") that "The U.S. House, by a 264-161 vote Wednesday, rejected an amendment that would have barred the Justice Department from prosecuting medical-marijuana users who are following state laws. Proponents, including 15 Republicans and 145 Democrats, picked up 13 votes from last year but still fell far short of the majority needed for passage. U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., introduced a related measure late last year, but no action is pending in the Senate."

According to USA Today, "The U.S. House rejection may embolden opponents of a state law, says Minnesota state Sen. Steve Kelley, a Democrat: 'The House's decision, more than the Supreme Court's, would cause some, particularly Republicans, to question whether we should act on it.' However, he says, neither changes 'the moral imperative of taking action.' He says Minnesota has to make residents understand that a state law doesn't protect against federal prosecution. New Mexico state Sen. Cisco McSorley, a Democrat who backs a state law, sees little impact from the federal decisions. 'The folks who voted for it ( state law ) last time didn't really care what the federal government was doing.'"

USA Today noted that "There was sentiment in several legislatures this year to push for the legal use of marijuana for medical purposes:
"– Rhode Island. The day after the Supreme Court ruling, the Senate passed a bill that has strong support in the House. The governor has threatened a veto, but an override may be possible.
"– New Mexico. A filibuster prevented final House action on a bill that passed the Senate and committees in both chambers by bipartisan majorities. The governor has indicated his support.
"– Alabama. A House panel passed a bill before adjournment. The Legislature reconvenes in January.
"– Minnesota. A Senate panel passed a bill in April, but it faces an uphill battle for final passage and a likely veto.
"– New Jersey. A bill is currently before the Senate Health Committee.
"– Connecticut. A Senate bill now goes to the House, which passed a similar one last year. Gov. Jodi Rell has not said whether she'll sign it.
"– Wisconsin. GOP state Rep. Gregg Underheim has introduced a bill. As chairman of the health committee, he expects hearings and a floor vote this year but says passage is 'unlikely.'"