The issue focused on federal funding for medical marijuana clinics in Los Angeles and Orange counties. Lawmakers asked Attorney General Eric Holder to explain why he would stand by as law enforcement agencies illegally raided medical marijuana dispensaries in those cities.

In his answer, Holder said that state laws legalizing medical marijuana were illegal under federal law. He did not mention federal prosecution of medical marijuana providers.

Holder also responded to calls from Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N