The Senate-approved legislation to reopen the federal government includes a provision that allows Senators whose phone records were subpoenaed during the DOJ investigation of alleged 2020 presidential election interference to sue the federal government.
Eight Republican Senators — Lindsey Graham (SC), Ron Johnson (WI), Marsha Blackburn (TN), Cynthia Lummis (WY), Bill Hagerty (TN), Josh Hawley (MO), Dan Sullivan (AK), and Tommy Tuberville (AL) — whose records were subpoenaed during the probe can now each sue the government for up to $500,000.
House Democrats — and a few of their Republican colleagues — are pushing to vote to reverse the provision.
Last night we discovered the Senate added guaranteed minimum $500K settlement – yes, for horrific DOJ abuse of power in Arctic Frost – but not to enrich Senators! I oppose it. J6ers, FACE Act folks, Bannon have no benefit! We’ve drafted the repeal. https://t.co/3zLYRppcCX
— Chip Roy (@chiproytx) November 13, 2025
MAGA-aligned U.S. Congressman Chip Roy (R-TX) wrote: ”Last night we discovered the Senate added guaranteed minimum $500K settlement – yes, for horrific DOJ abuse of power in Arctic Frost – but not to enrich Senators! I oppose it. J6ers, FACE Act folks, Bannon have no benefit! We’ve drafted the repeal.”
I will be voting to repeal this ridiculous policy that allows 8 specific senators to use taxpayer dollars sue the DOJ. This garbage should have never been included in a clean government funding bill. https://t.co/HB3bQdlmnv
— Rep. Lauren Boebert (@RepBoebert) November 12, 2025
U.S. Congresswoman Lauren Boebert (R-CO) chimed in and aligned with Roy, responding: “I will be voting to repeal this ridiculous policy that allows 8 specific senators to use taxpayer dollars sue the DOJ. This garbage should have never been included in a clean government funding bill.”
Last night, Rep. John Rose (R-TN) also wrote: “BREAKING: I just introduced a bill to repeal the Senate’s last minute provision allowing Senators to sue American taxpayers over Biden DOJ investigations, past or future. Two wrongs don’t make a right.”
BREAKING: I just introduced a bill to repeal the Senate’s last minute provision allowing Senators to sue American taxpayers over Biden DOJ investigations, past or future.
Two wrongs don’t make a right. pic.twitter.com/88RJBz8IaE
— Congressman John Rose (@RepJohnRose) November 12, 2025