Democratic Rep. Tom Suozzi and Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick are urging Congress to stop the Justice Department’s controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund,” warning it could bypass congressional authority and potentially compensate Jan. 6 rioters.
The bipartisan co-chairs of the House Problem Solvers Caucus announced legislation that would block any payments from the fund.
Lawmakers Raise Constitutional Concerns
Speaking on ABC’s “This Week,” Fitzpatrick argued the executive branch cannot distribute taxpayer money without congressional approval.
“The issue here is a statute that basically bypasses Congress,” Fitzpatrick said, emphasizing that federal spending power belongs to Congress through the appropriations process.
The Justice Department recently created the fund to compensate individuals claiming they were unfairly targeted by the government. Critics say eligible applicants could include people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the United States Capitol.
Suozzi Calls on Republicans to ‘Stand Up’
Suozzi urged Republicans to join Democrats in blocking the fund, saying Congress must act as a check on executive power.
“Everybody knows this is wrong,” Suozzi said. “We need our Republican colleagues to stand up and say this is right and that is wrong.”
He also criticized the possibility of convicted Jan. 6 rioters receiving compensation, pointing to the case of Daniel Rodriguez, who assaulted a police officer with a stun gun during the Capitol riot.
Growing GOP Backlash
The proposal has sparked growing bipartisan criticism, including frustration among some allies of President Donald Trump.
Despite concerns about political backlash, Fitzpatrick said he would continue representing his constituents over party pressure.
“My job is to represent the people that sent me here,” Fitzpatrick said.
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