Advocates continue to push for the cannabis banking bill to be included in the Senate's next coronavirus (COVID-19) package; however the prospects of inclusion are not looking favorable. According to a report by Politico, Senate Banking Committee Chair Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) said that he has not been involved in any conversations about including the cannabis banking bill in the next Senate COVID-19 aid package, “I have not been engaged in direct discussions about it…I don't want to create the impression that that's happening.” Senator Cory Gardner (R-Colorado), the SAFE Banking Act’s lead sponsor, also said he did not know if it would be included in the next COVID-19 relief bill and was not sure if it is the best vehicle for cannabis banking. Senator Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), another co-sponsor of the SAFE Banking Act, stated the Senate’s priorities are elsewhere, “I just don't know that there's the political will yet to get [cannabis banking] onto anything.” This COVID-19 package is likely the last legislative opportunity for the banking bill to pass this year, since elections are looming and there are a limited number of days left for legislating.
