WASHINGTON — President Barack Obama plans to sign a $1.1 trillion government spending bill if it reaches his desk, although he opposes a provision blocking the District of Columbia from legalizing marijuana.
White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Thursday that despite reservations, Obama is set to sign legislation to fund nearly the entire government through the end of the budget year Sept. 30.
D.C. weed: Congress blocks Washington D.C. marijuana legalization in spending bill
District voters approved an initiative Nov. 4 to allow possession of up to 2 ounces of pot or up to three mature plants for personal use. But language inserted by Republicans in the spending bill would bar the city from moving forward with legalization.
Earnest says the president believes Congress shouldn’t interfere with the will of city voters on marijuana and other issues. Obama supports statehood for the District.
Two editorials
The Washington Post: ‘Congress should allow D.C.’s marijuana legalization to stand’
The Denver Post: ‘Wake up, Congress. Approve D.C.’s vote. Take pot off Schedule I’
