Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania and Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi of New York introduced a bipartisan bill on Thursday to prohibit the use of federal funds for the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) newly established $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." The fund, created as part of a settlement between President Donald Trump and the IRS, aims to compensate individuals who claim they were victims of government weaponization or lawfare.
The bill, titled the "Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act," explicitly states that "no federal funds may be used for the payment of any claim submitted to the Anti-Weaponization Fund." Fitzpatrick and Suozzi argue that the fund lacks transparency and oversight, raising concerns about how the money will be distributed and who will be eligible for compensation.
The DOJ announced the fund on May 18, 2026, as part of a settlement agreement with Trump following his lawsuit against the IRS over the leak of his tax returns. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the fund would "make right the wrongs" and ensure victims of government weaponization are heard. However, critics, including some Republicans, have expressed concerns that the fund’s broad eligibility criteria could allow payouts to individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack.
Fitzpatrick emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, stating that "taxpayer dollars will not become a discretionary payout fund." Suozzi called the fund a "slush fund" that sets a dangerous precedent. The bill’s introduction has derailed hopes for the passage of a Republican reconciliation package funding Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for three years.
The DOJ’s judgment fund, which is appropriated by Congress, will process claims until December 2028, one month before the end of Trump’s second term. The fund’s establishment has sparked bipartisan criticism, with lawmakers from both parties questioning its legality and potential misuse.