Vice President-elect J.D. Vance visited the U.S. Capitol on Thursday to consult with Senate Republicans regarding the party's legislative agenda. A primary focus of the meeting was the ongoing internal conflict surrounding the regulation of hemp-derived, intoxicating products, such as delta-8 THC. This disagreement has stalled progress on a stopgap funding bill intended to keep the government operating.

The meeting was organized by Senator-elect Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio) to facilitate a path forward for the GOP caucus. The core of the issue involves a push by some lawmakers to include language in the funding bill that would delay or restrict the sale of these hemp-based products, which are currently legal under federal law due to the 2018 Farm Bill. Other members of the party have expressed concerns about the economic impact of such a ban on the hemp industry, leading to a legislative stalemate.

While the meeting aimed to unify the caucus, the divide remains significant. Supporters of the ban argue that these products pose public health risks, while opponents argue that federal intervention would harm legitimate businesses. The resolution of this language is considered a prerequisite for moving the broader funding package through the Senate. As of Thursday, it remained unclear whether Vance’s intervention would be sufficient to bridge the gap between the two factions before the funding deadline.