A dispute among Senate Republicans over delaying a planned ban on intoxicating hemp-derived products complicated efforts to pass a short-term US government funding bill. The row matters because it threatened to slow legislation intended to avert a funding lapse, while exposing divisions within the party over public-health safeguards, regulation and the hemp industry.

The White House-backed measure would postpone the ban by about one month, but Senator Ted Budd and other Republicans sought to remove the delay, arguing that products can reach children. The wider ban, passed in 2025, is due to take effect in late 2026 and would restrict many products made from hemp-derived THC; supporters of a delay say businesses and farmers need more time to adapt.