On Thursday, Senate Republicans and Democrats clashed regarding a contentious law allowing senators to sue for significant taxpayer funds. This altercation unfolded just as senators were departing Washington, D.C., for their Thanksgiving break.
There were two separate efforts to speed up the repeal or amendment of a law permitting senators involved in Biden’s Department of Justice Arctic Frost investigation to file lawsuits against the federal government for up to $500,000, both of which were abandoned.
The provision, referred to as the “Senate Notification Request for Senate Data,” was buried in a federal funding package aimed at reopening the government, recently signed into law by former President Donald Trump.
Frustration over this law is mounting from both sides of the aisle, with many demanding its repeal. Critics are particularly upset about the possibility that lawmakers could benefit financially at taxpayers’ expense, the late addition of the provision to a crucial funding bill, and its retroactive implications. The House passed a bill unanimously on Wednesday night aiming to revoke it.
In response, Senate Majority Leader John Thune introduced a resolution indicating that any damages won from lawsuits against the government wouldn’t personally enrich senators but rather be directed to the U.S. Treasury. However, the legislation would keep the original intent to dissuade the Justice Department from subpoenaing records without prior warnings to senators.
“Let me be clear: There is no personal wealth or accountability,” Thune emphasized on the Senate floor. “And I think it’s about protecting the first branch of our government. Those protections are in place for future U.S. senators because, based on what we’ve seen in the Arctic Frost investigation, there are clear violations of the law that need to be strengthened and clarified.”
Despite his efforts, Thune’s resolution faced swift opposition from Sen. Gary Peters, a Democrat from Michigan.
Peters remarked, “I’m not saying there was anything malicious, but it crept in. It’s clearly wrong. Anyone can see on the surface that it’s wrong. That’s why the House passed it unanimously. I hope that one day we can do the right thing and fix the problem.”
Thune had inserted the provision into a legislative spending bill at the request of some Senate Republicans while finalizing a bipartisan package to reopen the government.
Interestingly, despite the growing discontent, some Senate Republicans, including Lindsey Graham and Ted Cruz, prefer to preserve the law. Graham blocked Heinrich’s attempt to strip the provision during a Senate session.
Graham articulated his belief that his phone records were obtained improperly and expressed his frustration: “The Democrats will decide my fate. I’m going to let the judge decide my fate.” He also stated, “This is really outrageous… my personal cell phone and my official phone were subpoenaed for no reason.”
He continued, “We’re going to sue. I want to let you know that I’m going to sue Biden’s Department of Justice and Jack Smith. I’m going to sue Verizon. The damages will be well over $500,000.”
