UPDATE: A controversial provision allowing Senate Republicans to sue the government for compensation following the Jan. 6, 2021 investigation has ignited fierce backlash. Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) condemned the proposal as a “stinky” maneuver that exemplifies why the public despises politicians.
The measure, introduced by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), was included in a vital bill aimed at reopening the government post the recent shutdown. It would grant compensation of up to $500,000 to senators whose phone records were collected during the inquiry led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. This alarming development comes just days after the House, controlled by Republicans, voted unanimously to repeal the provision.
“This is why people across the country hate politicians,” Luján expressed in a statement to Raw Story. He highlighted the absurdity of sneaking in a potential payout while claiming to prioritize essential government funding, stating, “It’s $500,000 per instance, so it’s arguably millions of dollars for arguably eight senators.”
The Senate passed the measure on November 10, prompting immediate outrage from both sides of the aisle. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) defended the provision, arguing it is necessary to protect senators from what he termed “the worst single instance of politicization our country has ever seen.” He referred to the situation as “Joe Biden’s Watergate,” expressing concerns about the Biden administration’s handling of the Justice Department.
However, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) and other Democrats are pushing back, expecting the Senate to eliminate the compensation provision in upcoming budgetary negotiations. “It’s outrageous that people would put into the bill basically a check for themselves,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) stated, vowing to work diligently against the provision.
Republican Senators are now reportedly divided on how to proceed after the House’s swift rejection. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) admitted she was unaware of the controversial provision until after it passed, noting, “I think the leaders even said, you know, maybe the process of doing it was not the best.”
The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated as lawmakers head into the Thanksgiving recess. The proposed payouts have sparked significant public and political outcry, with many questioning the motives behind the Senate’s actions.
As this story unfolds, all eyes will be on the Senate to see how they will address this contentious issue in the coming weeks. The implications of this provision could have lasting effects on public trust in government, making it a crucial topic to watch as the year-end budget negotiations approach.
