Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Tom Suozzi (D-NY), co-chairs of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, introduced a bipartisan bill to block the Justice Department's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund." The fund, announced by the Justice Department, could pay settlements to individuals claiming "victimization" by the government, potentially including rioters from the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection.
Fitzpatrick and Suozzi argue the fund bypasses Congress's constitutional authority over appropriations. "Congress appropriates money. The executive branch does not have a dime of money in its own level," Fitzpatrick said on ABC News' "This Week." Suozzi urged Republicans to join Democrats in blocking the fund, calling it a violation of checks and balances.
The Justice Department's acting Attorney General, Todd Blanche, met with Republican senators to address backlash over the fund. Sources described the meeting as tense, with some Trump allies criticizing the fund's creation. One senator reportedly told Blanche, "You created this s--- sandwich, you got to figure it out."
Fitzpatrick dismissed concerns about potential backlash from former President Donald Trump, stating his focus is on representing his constituents. "This is about representing our constituents," he said. "They don’t like this fund. They don’t like money going to the ballroom, and their voice is going to be reflected on the floor of the House."
The bipartisan backlash has grown since the fund's announcement, with lawmakers from both parties questioning its legality and intent.