UPDATE: A fierce backlash erupts as Senate Republicans push a controversial provision allowing senators investigated for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack to sue the government for compensation. The proposal, led by Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (R-SD), has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers across the aisle and poses a potential roadblock to essential government funding.
The provision, included in the government funding bill passed on November 10, 2023, could allow senators whose phone records were collected during Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation to receive payouts of up to $500,000 each. Prominent Democrat Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) expressed outrage, stating, “It stinks like sh––. It’s just stinky,” and emphasized that such actions contribute to public disdain for politicians.
This move comes as the House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, unanimously voted to repeal the provision last week. “It’s arguably millions of dollars for eight senators,” Luján explained, calling the inclusion of the payout “garbage” and praising House Republicans for their swift action.
The controversy has intensified discussions around accountability and the perceived abuse of power. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), one of the senators implicated in the investigation, defended the measure, arguing that it would provide necessary protections against what he termed the politicization of the Justice Department under President Joe Biden. Cruz claimed, “It is Joe Biden’s Watergate,” insisting that the statutory prohibition on targeting senators must have “real teeth.”
As lawmakers prepare for the upcoming Thanksgiving recess, the Senate appears poised to revisit the issue. Other Democrats, including Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA), anticipate that the compensation measure will be removed in upcoming budgetary bills. “This needs to be fixed,” Kaine asserted.
The split within the Republican Party is evident, with senators acknowledging that the process surrounding Thune’s provision was flawed. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) noted that she was unaware of the payout clause when the bill passed, stating, “I think the leaders even said… maybe the process of doing it was not the best.”
Democrats are determined to make their opposition clear. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) described the payout as “outrageous,” highlighting the conflict of interest inherent in lawmakers compensating themselves. “Oh, we’re working very hard to overturn it,” Van Hollen promised, indicating a concerted effort to dismantle the controversial provision.
As this story develops, all eyes are on the Senate to see how they will respond to the mounting pressure to remove the payout from the funding bill. With government funding at stake, the urgency for resolution is palpable. Lawmakers will reconvene next week, and the outcome could significantly influence public perception of Congress in the wake of ongoing political turmoil.
Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding situation as it impacts legislative efforts and the broader political landscape.
