Senate Democrats Slam GOP’s $500K Payout Scheme for J6 Records

URGENT UPDATE: Senate Democrats are vehemently opposing a controversial provision that would allow senators affected by the January 6, 2021, investigation to sue the government for up to $500,000 each. This shocking revelation came after a bipartisan group of lawmakers, led by Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), expressed outrage over the measure included in the recent government funding bill.

The provision, directed by Senate Majority Leader Sen. John Thune (R-SD), has ignited a firestorm of criticism as it appears to be a blatant attempt to benefit senators whose phone records were collected during Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation. Luján stated that such actions contribute to widespread disdain for politicians, declaring, “It stinks like sh––. It’s just stinky.”

The Senate passed this measure on November 10, triggering swift backlash from both sides of the aisle. Luján noted that the payout could amount to millions collectively for the senators involved, exacerbating frustrations surrounding the government’s recent record-breaking shutdown. “It’s stinky,” Luján emphasized, recognizing that even the Republican-controlled House voted unanimously to repeal this provision last week.

Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), one of the senators implicated in the investigation, defended the provision, arguing it was essential to prevent what he termed “the abuse of power from the Biden Justice Department.” He likened the situation to “Joe Biden’s Watergate,” stressing the need for stronger protections against perceived political targeting.

As the controversy unfolds, Democratic senators are rallying to ensure the compensation measure is stripped from the bill. Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) expressed confidence that it would be eliminated, likely within essential budgetary legislation by the end of the year.

Republican senators are reportedly divided on how to proceed after the House’s rejection of the measure. Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) acknowledged her lack of awareness regarding Thune’s provision and admitted that the process could have been handled better. “The substance of it, I don’t argue with…but we’ll talk about it next week,” she stated.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated. With lawmakers set to return from their Thanksgiving recess, the pressure is mounting to address the backlash and the implications of this payout scheme. “It’s outrageous that people would put into the bill essentially a check for themselves for up to $500,000,” declared Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), reinforcing the sentiment that this issue must be corrected immediately.

As discussions continue on Capitol Hill, all eyes will be on the upcoming budgetary negotiations to see if the Senate will act to eliminate this contentious provision. The fallout from this situation is indicative of deeper issues within the political landscape, as frustrations with governmental processes and perceived self-serving actions by lawmakers grow ever more pronounced.

This story is developing, and updates are expected as lawmakers prepare for critical discussions in the coming days.