URGENT UPDATE: Senate Republicans are facing fierce backlash over a controversial proposal allowing certain senators to sue the government for compensation linked to the Jan. 6, 2021 investigation. This measure, included in a government funding bill and spearheaded by Sen. John Thune (R-SD), has drawn immediate condemnation from leading Democrats, including Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), who described it as “stinks like sh––” in an exclusive interview.
This contentious provision, passed on November 10, would enable senators whose phone records were collected during Special Counsel Jack Smith’s inquiry to seek payouts potentially exceeding $500,000 each. The House, controlled by Republicans, already voted unanimously to repeal this measure, citing widespread outrage.
“The House Republicans said this was garbage and acted swiftly,” Luján stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation as lawmakers approach the Thanksgiving recess. “It’s stinky. There’s a reason why they moved so quickly.”
Luján’s remarks underscore a growing sentiment among voters who are disillusioned with political self-dealing. He added, “It’s why people across the country hate politicians.” The measure has sparked further controversy, with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) asserting that it aims to protect senators from what he views as the politicization of the Department of Justice under the Biden administration. Cruz described the situation as “Joe Biden’s Watergate” and called for serious repercussions against perceived abuses of power.
While the Senate prepares to confront this backlash, internal divisions among Republican senators are surfacing. Notably, Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) admitted she was unaware of Thune’s provision and indicated that party leaders would discuss necessary amendments next week.
Democrats are rallying to ensure the repeal of the payout measure. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) expressed outrage over the potential for senators to receive hefty checks, stating, “It’s outrageous that people would put into the bill essentially a check for themselves for up to $500,000.”
As the Capitol buzzes with discussions about this contentious issue, the urgency for resolution grows. Observers are keenly watching how Senate Republicans will respond to the House’s swift actions and whether they will amend the proposal ahead of the end-of-year budgetary bills.
The political stakes are high, and with growing public discontent, the fallout from this decision could have lasting implications for the Republican party’s credibility. What happens next in this unfolding drama could set the tone for political accountability in the coming months.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as lawmakers return from the Thanksgiving break to address these pressing issues.
