UPDATE: Senate Republicans are under fire for a controversial proposal allowing colleagues whose phone records were collected during the Jan. 6, 2021 investigation to sue the government for compensation of up to $500,000. This shocking move has triggered an urgent backlash from both Democrats and some Republicans, who are vowing to take swift action against it.
The measure, directed by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), was embedded in a bill intended to reopen the government following a recent historic shutdown. Prominent Democrat Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) did not hold back, stating, “It stinks like sh––. It’s just stinky,” highlighting the public’s growing disdain for political maneuvering. He emphasized that this proposal represents why many Americans harbor frustration toward politicians, saying, “It’s why people across the country hate politicians.”
Senators affected by this provision could claim significant payouts as compensation for having their phone records swept up in Special Counsel Jack Smith‘s investigation linked to the Capitol attack. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), one of the senators scrutinized over his ties to former President Donald Trump‘s efforts to overturn the 2020 election, defended the provision, arguing it protects senators from what he calls “abuse of power” by the Biden Justice Department.
However, the House of Representatives, controlled by Republicans, unanimously voted to repeal the provision last week, illustrating a rare moment of bipartisan agreement. Luján noted that the potential total of these payouts could reach millions for several senators, adding, “It’s stinky. There’s a reason why the House Republicans said this was garbage.”
The urgency of the Senate’s next steps is palpable as lawmakers head into the Thanksgiving recess. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) expressed confidence that the Senate would remove the compensation measure, likely in one of the must-pass budgetary bills by year’s end.
Luján also raised questions about the necessity of a payout for Republican senators, pointing out the perceived unfairness in excluding certain colleagues from Pennsylvania mentioned in the investigation. “It’s stupid, and it’s broken all around,” he remarked.
Republican senators appear divided over how to address the backlash. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) admitted she was unaware of Thune’s provision when the funding bill passed, commenting, “The substance of it… I don’t argue with, but we’ll talk about it next week.”
Democrats are committed to making this issue uncomfortable for their Republican counterparts. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) expressed outrage, stating, “It’s outrageous that people would put into the bill essentially a check for themselves for up to $500,000.”
As this story develops, the implications of this proposal and the response from both sides of the aisle will be closely watched. With the House acting quickly to repeal this measure, all eyes will be on the Senate’s next moves as they navigate this contentious issue.
