Senate GOP Proposes Controversial $500K Payout for J6 Phone Records

UPDATE: Senate Republicans are facing intense backlash over a newly proposed measure that could allow lawmakers affected by the January 6 investigation to claim up to $500,000 in compensation. This controversial provision, led by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), was included in a bill aimed at reopening the government following a historic shutdown.

Prominent Democrat Sen. Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) did not hold back, stating that the move “stinks like sh––.” He emphasized that this measure exemplifies the reasons why the public harbors disdain for politicians. “Under the guise of opening up the government… they sneak in more than a $500,000 payoff,” Luján declared.

This urgent issue escalated on November 10, when the Senate passed the measure allowing compensation for senators whose phone records were collected during the investigation led by Special Counsel Jack Smith. Among those implicated is Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), who claims the provision aims to safeguard senators from what he refers to as the Biden Justice Department’s “abuse of power.”

The backlash was immediate. Last week, House Republicans unanimously voted to repeal the provision, signaling widespread disapproval. Luján pointed out that the payout could total millions, stating, “It’s stinky. There’s a reason why the House Republicans said this was garbage and acted so quickly.”

As Congress approaches the upcoming Thanksgiving recess, Luján and fellow Democrats are pushing to eliminate this provision. “Expect the Senate to remove the compensation measure likely in one of the must-pass budgetary bills at the end of the year,” said Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA).

Republican senators, however, are reportedly divided on how to address this backlash. While some, like Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), acknowledged that the process was not ideal, she noted, “the substance of it… being able to keep the separation of powers, but we’ll talk about it next week.”

Democrats are determined to make the situation uncomfortable for their opponents. “It’s outrageous that people would put into the bill essentially a check for themselves for up to $500,000,” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) stated, reiterating their commitment to overturn the measure.

As the political drama unfolds, all eyes are on Capitol Hill. The urgency of this issue has captured national attention and continues to stir emotions among constituents, highlighting the ongoing tensions within Congress. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.