Tom Garrett on Drugs

Decriminalize pot at the federal level

Democratic Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam and former Democratic congressman Tom Perriello, [both candidates for Virginia Governor in 2017] have spoken favorably towards decriminalization. Despite the apparent bipartisan interest, opinions among members of law enforcement are all over the map.

Garrett said he introduced his bill in response to testimony by Attorney General Jeff Sessions during his Senate confirmation hearing, which raised concerns over whether the Justice Department would take a hardline stance on marijuana under the new Trump Administration. Sessions testified, "Congress has made the possession of marijuana in every state an illegal act. So, if that's something that is not desired any longer, Congress should pass a law to change the rule."

Voted NO on additional Drug War funding for synthetic drugs.

GovTrack.us Summary: (SITSA): There are more than 400 known types of synthetic--or "artificial"--drugs, which mimic the effects of substances including cocaine and ecstasy. They've largely begun to flood the market in recent years. The bill outlaws 13 different synthetic drugs of the most pernicious varieties. There are more than 400 known types of synthetic--or "artificial"--drugs, which mimic the effects of substances including cocaine and ecstasy. They've largely begun to flood the market in recent years.

GovTrack Pro/Con: Supporters argue the legislation will tackle a growing scourge in a far more timely and immediate manner than what the lagging DEA is usually able to accomplish. Opponents argue the bill would too greatly expand Attorney General Jeff Sessions' ability to criminalize drugs and impose unnecessarily punitive mandatory sentences, according to a letter signed by dozens of organizations including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Human Rights Watch, and NAACP.Opponent's argument to vote NO Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY): The bill would explicitly impose mandatory minimum terms of supervised release which undermines the discretion of judges who are in the best position to make such determinations based on the facts and circumstances of each case.

Legislative outcome: House Bill Passed 239-142-46, Roll Number 268 on June 15, 2018