Republicans Prepare Legislation on $1.8 Billion Anti-Weaponization Fund

Senate Republicans are preparing legislative action to end or restrict a $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund announced last week by the Justice Department. The fund was created as part of a settlement in a lawsuit filed by President Trump over the IRS release of his tax returns.

It would permit others to seek damages if they believe they were targeted through prosecutions or surveillance on political grounds.

The announcement disrupted plans to pass an immigration and law enforcement funding bill before Memorial Day. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., said on CNN's "State of the Union" that colleagues are discussing amendments to rescind or defund the agreement when the package returns next month.

Republican senators raised objections during a Thursday meeting with Attorney General Todd Blanche. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, said on his podcast that at least half of the roughly 45 Republican senators present expressed strong opposition.

Democrats said they would use the open amendment process to force votes on whether Republican senators support the fund. Tillis described the fund as "stupid on stilts" and warned it "may look like self-dealing." Cruz stated that Mr. Trump and his family are not eligible to receive compensation from the fund and that a legal rationale was provided for its creation.