Archive · 14 Nov 2025
GOP Lawmakers Push Back on Shutdown Bill Payout Provision
Imagine lawmakers are making rules for how the government spends money.
One group of lawmakers, upset that someone looked at their phone records, put a rule in the new spending bill that would let them sue the government for a lot of money if this happens again.
Other lawmakers got angry because they thought this rule was unfair and like taking money from taxpayers just for themselves.
They said it was a bad idea and promised to get rid of the rule.
Most of the lawmakers who could use this new rule said they probably won't, but a few said they definitely will to make a point.
Now, the lawmakers who are against the rule are trying to remove it quickly.
A provision allowing senators to sue the government for at least $500,000 was included in a spending bill passed by the House.
The provision was a response to the special prosecutor's subpoenas of senators' phone logs as part of the Jan. 6 investigation.
Many Republicans, especially in the House, opposed the measure, calling it a taxpayer-funded windfall and an act of self-dealing.
House Speaker Mike Johnson pledged to repeal the provision, which is expected to pass with bipartisan support.
While some senators indicated intent to sue, most eligible Republicans stated they have no plans to seek compensation.
- Who
- Several Republican lawmakers, including Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Rep. Greg Steube, Sen. Lindsey Graham, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, and Sen. Cynthia Lummis, as well as Democrats like Rep. Jamie Raskin.
- What
- Republicans are retreating from a provision included in a spending bill that would allow senators to sue the government for significant financial damages if their phone records were obtained without notification. The provision was added in response to past subpoenas but faced backlash from many Republicans who felt it was inappropriate self-dealing.
- When
- The House passed the spending bill to reopen the government on Wednesday night, and the controversy unfolded immediately after.
- Where
- The United States House of Representatives and Senate.
- Why
- The provision was included to address Republican senators' anger over past subpoenas of their phone records by special prosecutor Jack Smith. However, many lawmakers, particularly in the House, opposed it due to concerns about taxpayer cost and potential self-dealing, leading to calls for its repeal.
Supporters of the Payout Provision
Opponents of the Payout Provision
Purpose of the Provision
Supporters of the Payout Provision
The provision was intended to address anger over special prosecutor Jack Smith's subpoenas of senators' phone call logs as part of the Jan. 6 investigation, allowing senators to sue for compensation.
Opponents of the Payout Provision
The provision was seen as a poorly conceived, last-minute addition that created political liability and was a form of taxpayer-funded self-dealing.
Intention to Sue
Supporters of the Payout Provision
Sen. Lindsey Graham stated he would definitely sue and aimed to make the penalty painful. Sens. Tommy Tuberville and Cynthia Lummis also suggested they might sue.
Opponents of the Payout Provision
Most eligible Republicans indicated they have no plans to pursue compensation, with only one senator announcing definitive plans to take advantage of the clause.
Inclusion in Spending Bill
Supporters of the Payout Provision
The provision was slipped into the spending bill by Senate Majority Leader John Thune.
Opponents of the Payout Provision
House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized the last-minute inclusion as 'way out of line' and vowed to repeal it.
- Provision Purpose
- Allow senators to sue the government for at least $500,000 if their phone records were obtained without notification after 2022.
- Reason for Provision
- Response to Senate GOP anger over special prosecutor Jack Smith's subpoenas of senators' phone logs in the Jan. 6 investigation.
- House Speaker's Stance
- Mike Johnson called the inclusion 'way out of line' and promised a repeal.
- Potential Lawsuit
- Sen. Lindsey Graham stated he would sue for damages, aiming to make the penalty impactful.
- Majority of Senators' Plans
- Five of seven eligible Republicans indicated they do not plan to pursue compensation.