Advocates Criticize Nebraska Delegation Over Spending Bill Exclusion
In an ongoing debate surrounding federal cannabis legislation, Nebraska has found itself at the center of criticism due to its exclusion from certain protections in a recently passed spending bill. This has stirred discussions among state-level advocates and political candidates alike.
In 2025, Hansen attempted to shine a spotlight on the spending bill through an op-ed submitted to The Hill, a newspaper based in Washington, D.C. However, the publication declined to publish the piece.
Advocates, including Sherer, pointed fingers at Nebraska’s congressional delegation, particularly highlighting Ricketts’ staunch opposition to any form of legal marijuana, as a key reason for the state’s omission. Deb Fischer, a U.S. Senator from Nebraska, is also a member of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, adding another layer to the controversy.
The provision in question is part of the Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, which was signed into law by President Donald Trump on January 23. This spending bill saw overwhelming support, passing the U.S. House with a 397-28 vote and the U.S. Senate by 82-15.
Despite all five members of Nebraska’s federal delegation, who are Republicans, voting in favor of the bill, none took action to amend it to include Nebraska in the Section 531 list of protections, as per the congressional record. The Nebraska Examiner made attempts to contact spokespersons for each congressional member, including Ricketts and Bacon, but received no response from representatives for Fischer, Flood, and U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith.
New Candidate Initiative
Sherer’s organization introduced a new initiative on Monday, a “pledge” aimed at federal candidates. This initiative saw its first signatories in Nebraska candidates: State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, a Democrat seeking the 2nd Congressional District seat, and Dan Osborn, a nonpartisan candidate challenging Ricketts. Both candidates joined Eggers and Sherer in criticizing the state’s federal delegation.
The pledge requires candidates to promise support for a national medical cannabis program, leverage oversight powers for patient support, and encourage the integration of medical cannabis within healthcare systems.
