The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday voted 16-14 on an amendment that would prevent federal funds from being used to prohibit or penalize financial institutions that provide services to marijuana businesses in states where it’s legal.

“In both the medicinal world and recreational world, they are rarely able to be served by our banks because of the federal law and that results in a huge cash economy that is an invitation to crime and malfeasance,” said Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley Jeffrey (Jeff) Alan MerkleyThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by The Air Line Pilots Association - Trump, Biden renew push for Latino support Sunday shows - Trump team defends coronavirus response Oregon senator says Trump's blame on 'forest management' for wildfires is 'just a big and devastating lie' MORE, who offered the amendment.

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Merkley explained that pot enterprises legal under state law, such as those in his home state of Oregon, cannot put money into bank accounts.

Sen. Susan Collins Susan Margaret CollinsMcConnell locks down key GOP votes in Supreme Court fight Most Americans think winner of election should pick next Supreme Court justice: poll Murkowski: Supreme Court nominee should not be taken up before election MORE (R-Maine) opposed the amendment because it applies to recreational use of the drug.

“This amendment very clearly states that it applies to medical marijuana and recreational marijuana,” she said.

The amendment was added to a bill that would fund Financial Services and General Government services for the next fiscal year.

Merkley, along with Sens. Ron Wyden Ronald (Ron) Lee WydenGOP set to release controversial Biden report Democrats fear Russia interference could spoil bid to retake Senate GOP senator blocks Schumer resolution aimed at Biden probe as tensions run high MORE (D-Ore.), Cory Gardner Cory Scott GardnerMcConnell locks down key GOP votes in Supreme Court fight Will Republicans' rank hypocrisy hinder their rush to replace Ginsburg? Jeff Flake: Republicans 'should hold the same position' on SCOTUS vacancy as 2016 MORE (R-Colo.) and Michael Bennet Michael Farrand BennetOVERNIGHT ENERGY: House Democrats tee up vote on climate-focused energy bill next week | EPA reappoints controversial leader to air quality advisory committee | Coronavirus creates delay in Pentagon research for alternative to 'forever chemicals' Senate Democrats demand White House fire controversial head of public lands agency Next crisis, keep people working and give them raises MORE (D-Colo.), recently introduced similar legislation that would allow legal marijuana businesses to access banking services.