Shows
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Kim: marijuana SAFER Banking Act "particularly affects a lot of the small businesses" in NJWho?Sen. Andy Kim (D-NJ) — one of 11 new senators elected to the 119th CongressLISTEN: Laslo & KimAsk a Pol asks:How much are you hearing about the SAFER Banking Act from your constituents across New Jersey?Key Kim:“It particularly affects a lot of the small businesses because they're not the ones that can like, you know, handle high-price attorneys and others too,” Sen. Andy Kim exclusively told Ask a Pol. “So between that and, like, homegrown, those are like the two issues that I keep hearing...2025-03-0101 min
Ask a Pol uaps“Turner, best of luck in his endeavors,” UAP Caucus Co-chair says good riddance to fmr. Intel chairWho?Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) — Co-chair, Congressional UAP Caucus LISTEN: Laslo & LunaAsk a Pol asks:What do you make of the news that Mike Turner got ousted as House Intel chair?” Key Luna:“I don't think he got ousted, per se,” Rep. Anna Paulina Luna exclusively tells Ask a Pol.*To get our latest news first, subscribe for FREE! If you can afford it, paid subscriptions — which come with perks! — are what keep this scrappy startup afloat. Cheers!*PSST: Turner is th...2025-01-1801 min
Ask a Pol cryptoHouse Whip Tom Emmer: "you're gonna see a bunch of" crypto legislation this CongressWho?Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN) — House Majority Whip LISTEN: Laslo & EmmerAsk a Pol asks:What's the game plan for crypto this Congress?Key Emmer:“That's being developed,” House Majority Whip Tom Emmer exclusively tells Ask a Pol. “I think you're gonna see stablecoin legislation. I think you're gonna see market structure legislation. I think you're gonna see the prohibition of a central bank digital currency.”ICYMI — Wheels turning in Senate too…? Caught our ear: “I’d talk to [new House Financial Services...2025-01-1501 min
Ask a Pol drugsIncoming Majority Leader Thune "not a fan" of SAFER Banking for marijuanaWho?Sen. John Thune (R-SD) — Incoming Senate Majority LeaderLISTEN: Laslo & ThuneAsk a Pol asks:What are your thoughts on the SAFER Banking Act?Key Thune:“I’m not a fan,” Sen. John Thune exclusively tells Ask a Pol.ICYMI — SALE!!! Subscribe today! Caught our ear:Any thoughts on the DEA rescheduling marijuana?“Ummm,” Thune replied, then kept on walking into the US Capitol.Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with S...2025-01-0401 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Sullivan on SAFER Banking Act: “I don’t know what that is”Who?Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK) LISTEN: Laslo & SullivanAsk a Pol asks:Are you still supportive of SAFER Banking Act?Key Sullivan: “SAFE Banking?” Sen. Sullivan exclusively told Ask a Pol. It’s SAFER Banking Act now. “I don’t know what that is,” Sullivan said. Caught our ear:“Yeah. I haven’t seen that one yet,” Sullivan told us of SAFER. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK), sl...2025-01-0301 min
Ask a Pol drugsDemocratic Sen. Shaheen: "I’m not a supporter of legalizing marijuana"Who?Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)LISTEN: Laslo & ShaheenAsk a Pol asks:What are your thoughts on the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Shaheen: “I have some concerns about it,” Sen. Jeanne Shaheen exclusively told Ask a Pol. Shaheen on SAFERUndecided. Caught our ear:“I’m not a supporter of legalizing marijuana,” Shaheen told us.Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), slightly ed...2025-01-0301 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Wicker: "I'm not commenting" on marijuana's SAFER Banking ActWho?Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) LISTEN: Laslo & WickerAsk a Pol asks:Have you looked at the SAFER Banking Act?Key Wicker: “No,” Sen. Roger Wicker exclusively told Ask a Pol. “I'm not commenting on-the-record about the SAFER Banking Act.” Caught our ear: Have you been to the University of Mississippi cannabis test facilities?“I guess so,” Wicker told us. “I guess so.”Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), sligh...2025-01-0202 min
Ask a Pol drugsIs Mitch McConnell why the SAFER Banking Act dies in Congress annually?Who?Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) — Senate Minority LeaderLISTEN: Laslo & McConnellAsk a Pol asks:Do you oppose SAFER Banking Act?McConnell:Silence.Play the Tape: “Unrelated nonsense, like easier financing for illegal drugs, was kept out,” McConnell quietly exclaimed from the Senate floor in 2022 when he blocked the then-SAFE Banking Act from being tacked onto the National Defense Authorization Act — or NDAA. ICYMI — McConnell quietly killed SAFER again this yearBelow find a rough transcript of Ask a P...2024-12-2701 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Whitehouse still not fully on board with SAFER BankingSCROLL DOWN to LISTEN for FREE! Who?Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI)LISTEN: Laslo & WhitehouseAsk a Pol asks:What do you make of the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Whitehouse: “I think that they're watching it be legalized in a lot of states which sort of runs counter to having it be seen by them as one of the most dangerous drugs,” Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Ask a Pol ask all 100 US senators abo...2024-12-2402 min
Ask a Pol uapsRep. Pallone on Mayorkas New Jersey drone briefing: "I’m not supposed to talk about it”SCROLL DOWN TO LISTEN FOR FREE. Who?Rep. Frank Pallone (D-NJ) LISTEN: Laslo & PalloneAsk a Pol asks:Did you make that call for the New Jersey congressional delegation with Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas? Key Pallone:“Well, I’m not supposed to talk about it,” Rep. Frank Pallone exclusively tells Ask a Pol. “I mean, I don't know.” ICYMI — Ask a Pol broke news of briefing for NJ pols Caught our ear:“It was for members,” Pallone’s aide s...2024-12-2201 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Hoeven says Congress, not DEA, in charge of US marijuana policyWho?Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND)LISTEN: Laslo & HoevenAsk a Pol asks:Any thoughts on the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — rescheduling cannabis on their own?Key Hoeven: “I think it's up to Congress to make any changes there, and obviously we haven’t,” Sen. John Hoeven exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Ask a Pol exclusvies with entire US Senate Caught our ear per SAFER Banking: “What's holding the SAFE Banking Act is that Sen. Schumer wants to legalize marijuana across the board,” Hoev...2024-12-2201 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Deb Fischer on SAFER Banking Act: “I haven't seen it"Who?Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE)LISTEN: Laslo & FischerAsk a Pol asks:Would you support the SAFER Banking Act or have you not looked at it yet?Key Fischer: “I haven't seen it,” Sen. Fischer exclusively told Ask a Pol.IVYMI — Catch Ask a Pol’s exclusives w/ all 100 Senators Caught our ear:Do you have any thoughts on the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana? “I don't know,” Fischer told us.Below find a rough transcrip...2024-12-2001 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Capito: No position yet on SAFER BankingWho?Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV)LISTEN: Laslo & CapitoAsk a Pol asks:Do you know your position on SAFER Banking?Key Capito: “No, I don’t. Is it coming up?” Sen. Capito exclusively told Ask a Pol. “I haven’t…”ICYMI — Find your senator’s position on cannabis Caught our ear:“I'll wait till it comes up,” Capito told us. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), slightly edited for...2024-12-1901 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Welch: "War on Drugs was way overbroad when it came to marijuana"Who?Sen. Peter Welch (D-VT)LISTEN: Laslo & WelchAsk a Pol asks:Do you have any thoughts on the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Welch: “I'm in favor,” Sen. Peter Welch exclusively told Ask a Pol. “Everybody knows the War on Drugs was way overbroad when it came to marijuana, and it did a lot of harm, and hard to see what good it did. And the overscheduling of it was a grave mistake.”Support SAFER Banking?“Yes,” Welch told us. C...2024-12-1802 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Ernst: "not in favor of legalized marijuana," reviewing SAFER BankingWho?Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) LISTEN: Laslo & Ernst (6-5-2024)Ask a Pol asks:What is your position on the SAFER Banking Act?Key Ernst: “Not really in favor,” Sen. Joni Ernst exclusively told Ask a Pol. “So I’d have to sit down and sort through it … so many groups have come and spoken to me about it.” Caught our ear:“But I do not want to encourage [use],” Ernst told us. “I am not in favor of legalized marijuana, so I just think that just...2024-12-1701 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Heinrich: All-cash cannabis companies "just attracts really bad elements"Who?Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) LISTEN: Laslo & Heinrich (& Sen. Susan Collins) Ask a Pol asks:What is your position on the SAFER Banking Act?Key Heinrich: “But you need certainty in those kinds of financial situations,” Sen. Martin Heinrich exclusively told Ask a Pol. “That’s what we ought to be providing.”We can’t keep hounding all 100 US senators on cannabis without your support! ICYMI — Ask a Pol exclusive with Mitt Romney Caught our ear:“I wouldn't move that...2024-12-1602 min
Ask a Pol drugsMajority Leader Chuck Schumer scowls when asked about SAFER Banking ActLAZ: I DIDN’T HEAR HIM RESPONDING, DID HE IGNORE YOU OR I JUST DON’T HEAR IT? I LEFT THE ‘Key Schumer:’ PART EMPTY IN CASE I MISSED IT**note from intern…they heard correctly… Who?Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY) — Senate Majority Leader LISTEN: Laslo & SchumerAsk a Pol asks:When will we see SAFER Banking Act?Key Schumer: Silence. Sen. Chuck Schumer refused to answer Ask a Pol.ICYMI — Ask a Pol exclusvies with entire US Senate Below fin...2024-12-1601 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Collins supports SAFER Banking but says "I still have reservations" about marijuanaWho?Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME)LISTEN: Laslo & Collins (& Heinrich) Ask a Pol asks:Are you still supportive of the SAFER Banking Act?Key Collins:“I am,” Sen. Susan Collins exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — New #2: Senate GOP Whip anti-marijuana Caught our ear:“Though I still have reservations,” Collins told us.Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME), slightly edited for clarity.ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol...2024-12-1002 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Tuberville says marijuana rescheduling for Congress, not DEAWho?Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) LISTEN: Laslo & TubervilleAsk a Pol asks:What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Tuberville: “That's wrong,” Sen. Tommy Tuberville exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Biden ally, Sen. Carper not on board w/ SAFER Caught our ear: “It needs to go through this building,” Tuberville told us while walking through the US Capitol. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen...2024-12-0901 min
Ask a Pol drugsCruz: rescheduling marijuana is "disregard for the Constitution"Who?Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) LISTEN: Laslo & Cruz I (5-23-2024)Ask a Pol asks:What do you think of the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving on marijuana without an act of Congress?Key Cruz on DEA: “I think the Biden administration behaves like unaccountable executives with a disregard for the Constitution,” Sen. Ted Cruz exclusively told Ask a Pol. Ask a Pol drugs is a reader-supported independent news outlet. Please consider supporting us!LISTEN: Laslo & Cruz II (6-5-2024)SAFER Ba...2024-12-0601 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Grassley: SAFER will "screw up our money laundering laws"Who?Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) — Senate Judiciary Committee LISTEN: Laslo & GrassleyAsk a Pol asks: What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Grassley: “That'd be bad because recreational marijuana leads to other high drug — hard drugs,” Sen. Chuck Grassley exclusively told Ask a Pol. Subscribe for FREE & our latest hits your inbox first. Or consider a VIP subscription to show you support our independent journalism!ICYMI — Sen. Tillis tells us SAFER Banking’s "half...2024-12-0401 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Warner: US cannabis law "doesn't make sense," encourages crimeWho?Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) — Senate Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs CommitteeLISTEN: Laslo & WarnerAsk a Pol asks:What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Warner: “The idea that the federal government still classifies it as a drug similar to heroin, doesn't seem to make much sense to me,” Sen. Mark Warner exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Ask a Pol exclusive with next Secretary of State… SAFER Banking?“I've been supportive of it,” Warner told...2024-12-0301 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Hassan's undecided on marijuana, SAFER Banking ActWho?Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH) LISTEN: Laslo & HassanAsk a Pol asks:What is your position on the SAFER Banking Act?Key Hassan: “I'm still getting a lot of feedback from constituents,” Sen. Maggie Hassan exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Ask a Pol’s exclusives w/ all 100 US senators Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH), slightly edited for clarity.ICYMI — Join Ask a Pol’s VIP subscriber-only chat!TRAN...2024-12-0301 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Tina Smith says rescheduling marijuana is a "good move"Who? Sen. Tina Smith (D-MN) — Senate Banking, Housing, Urban Affairs CommitteeLISTEN: Laslo & Smith Ask a Pol asks:What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Smith: “I think that's a very good move,” Sen. Tina Smith exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Ask a Pol exclusive w/ a Republican doctor Support SAFER Banking? “Yeah,” Smith told us. “Oh, absolutely.” Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Tina...2024-12-0201 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Kennedy "still studying" SAFER marijuana Banking ActWho?Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA)LISTEN: Laslo & KennedyAsk a Pol asks:Does DEA rescheduling complicate SAFER Banking? Key Kennedy:”Well, sure,” Sen. John Kennedy exclusively told Ask a Pol. “The way the Feds have it set up complicates banking, but that's not the issue. The issue is to make good social policy, to make legal marijuana that has 10 times more THC in it than it did when I was growing up.“ICYMI — Incoming Senate Whip is anti-cannabis Caught our ear on SAFER: “I'm s...2024-11-3002 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Moran undecided on SAFER but bankers bring it up to himWho?Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) LISTEN: Laslo & MoranAsk a Pol asks:What are your thoughts on SAFER Banking Act? Key Moran: “I know it's out there — my bankers talk to me about it — but no,” Sen. Jerry Moran exclusively told Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Exclusive w/ Secretary of State nominee Caught our ear:“I’ll wait til I have to make a decision,” Moran told us. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. J...2024-11-2901 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Blumenthal: rescheduling marijuana is "reflecting general views"Who? Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) LISTEN: Laslo & BlumenthalAsk a Pol asks:What are your thoughts on the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana on its own?Key Blumenthal: “I think they are reflecting the general views of a lot of people, as well as scientific opinion,” Sen. Richard Blumenthal exclusively told Ask a Pol. SAFER Banking?“I'm in favor of the SAFER Banking Act,” Blumenthal told us. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive intervie...2024-11-2701 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Carper on cannabis: "I don't know that it's imperative that we have a federal policy"Who?Sen. Tom Carper (D-DE) LISTEN: Laslo & CarperAsk a Pol asks:What are your thoughts on the SAFER Banking Act?Key Carper: “I don't know that it's imperative that we have a federal policy. But we have 50 states, they all have their own banking laws,” Sen. Tom Carper exclusively told Ask a Pol. “And in Delaware, they've actually reacted to meet what they think is a legitimate banking need.”Clemency for past marijuana convictions?“That's beyond my pay grade right now,” Carper said. “I thin...2024-11-2502 min
Ask a Pol drugsSen. Hyde-Smith rebuffs SAFER Banking question after embracing "public hangings" in 2018Who?Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS) LISTEN: Laslo & Hyde-SmithAsk a Pol asks:What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Hyde-Smith: “I don't do the hallway interviews,” Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith told Ask a Pol. Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), slightly edited for clarity. TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Cindy Hyde-SmithSCENE: After voting on the Senate floor, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith is making her way...2024-11-2401 min
Ask a Pol drugsMarco Rubio: "Marijuana has as much negative impact on health as tobacco"Who?Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) — Nominee, Secretary of State LISTEN: Laslo & RubioAsk a Pol asks:What do you think about the DEA — Drug Enforcement Administration — moving to reschedule marijuana?Key Rubio: “We’re learning now that marijuana has as much negative impact on health as tobacco smoke does,” Sen. Marco Rubio exclusively told Ask a Pol. Caught our ear: “Oh wow, I’m glad to learn that from the media,” Rubio told the press on May 1st replying to false reports that he’d be willing to b...2024-11-1502 min
Ask a Pol politicsJamie Raskin says Dems have two 2024 objectives: Win & defend winWho?Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD) — former select Jan. 6 committee member LISTEN: Laslo & RaskinAsk a Pol asks:Are you worried about the redux of Bush v. Gore-like constitutional crisis after the 2024 election?Key Raskin: “The Democrats have two main objectives, and one is to go out and win the election and the second is to defend the election,” Rep. Jamie Raskin exclusively tells Ask a Pol. ICYMI — Lawler & other Repubs vow to certify results Caught our ear:“We understand that Donald...2024-10-0501 min
Ask a Pol politicsGOP Rep. Mike Lawler: "I will certify the election"Who?Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY)LISTEN: Laslo & LawlerAsk a Pol asks:Are you worried about secure voting in the 2024 election?Key Lawler: “But the reality over the long haul is that our elections are secure,” Rep. Mike Lawler tells the congressional press corps. “I think, obviously, in 2020, you had issues in certain states where governors by executive fiat or the courts were overriding the legislature and state constitution. And obviously, that shouldn't happen.”ICYMI — Lofgren: Speaker Johnson making wacky claimsSubscribe fo...2024-10-0501 min
Ask a Pol politicsJ6 Committee member Lofgren: GOP claims of illegal voting are "honestly delusional"Who?Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) — former select Jan. 6 committee member LISTEN: Laslo & LofgrenAsk a Pol asks:If they’re able to maintain their majority in the House of Representatives, are you nervous that House Speaker Mike Johnson and Republicans won’t certify the election if Kamala Harris wins? Key Lofgren: “I don't want to say ‘nervous.’ I am mindful that a majority of the Republicans voted to overturn the election,” Rep. Zoe Lofgren exclusively tells Ask a Pol. “That's kind of a chilling fact for the American constitut...2024-10-0502 min