ED PERLMUTTER

Investor optimism over the possibility of federal cannabis legalization has contributed to a strong rally in beaten-down pot stocks.

Both Democrats and Republicans favor a ban and are working on legislation with stiffer restrictions on lawmakers' portfolios.

Both Democrats and Republicans favor a ban and are working on legislation with stiffer restrictions on lawmakers' portfolios.

Veteran Democratic Rep. Ed Perlmutter of Colorado is not running for reelection.

The second floor of the Longworth Congressional office building is taking holiday decorations to a whole new level.

Scott, 67, has been quarantining at home all week after coming into contact in Florida on Nov. 13 with someone who subsequently tested positive. Scott, a Republican, said he was “feeling good” despite the mild symptoms and would be working at his home in Naples. “I want to remind everyone to be careful and do the right things to protect yourselves and others,” Scott said in a statement. House members could be regularly tested in the Capitol starting this week, but there is still no testing protocol for senators. The absence Scott and Grassley on Tuesday helped Democrats block the nomination of Judy Shelton, Trump’s controversial pick for the Federal Reserve.

For years, cannabis companies running legal operations have been forced to bank like thieves. A banking bill that would drastically affect the way Florida cannabis and hemp-oil companies do business is one step closer to enactment following a Wednesday vote in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thomas says that while the SAFE Banking Act will have greater impacts on the cannabis industry, his company will also see some benefits. (Veritas Farms is part of the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, which pushed for passage of the SAFE Banking legislation.) So we're very hopeful this SAFE Banking Act will alleviate some of the constraints."

The Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs is hosting a hearing on Tuesday titled "Challenges for Cannabis and Banking: Outside Perspectives." Lawmakers, industry representatives and advocates are testifying on the challenges cannabis companies face in states where medical or recreational marijuana is legal. This prevents growers, dispensaries and other cannabis companies from basic banking services like depositing their money. The SAFE Banking Act now has 206 co-sponsors in the House and a companion bill in the Senate. The hearing comes just two weeks after the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security weighed reforming pot laws.