Policy

Dems Push Pro-Pot Bills in Congress

Hope to get feds to ease up on states where it has been legalized

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A handful of Democratic lawmakers are optimistic that Congress can pass legislation to ease federal restrictions on legal marijuana businesses.

The Democrats said they would seek to add their measures to broader legislation, such as the farm bill expected to move through Congress this year.

They said their bills would have little chance at moving on their own, but that they could get to President Obama's desk if they are tucked in bigger bills.

"I think there's an opportunity with lots of moving pieces in Congress," said Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.). "These are relatively minor technical adjustments, and in times past, things like this would find their way to be part of larger pieces of legislation."