Senate Rejects 49-50 Bid to End Anti-Weaponization Compensation Fund

A Senate amendment to permanently bar a Justice Department fund that could compensate January 6 defendants failed by a vote of 49-50 during a marathon vote-a-rama session. 8 billion program created as part of a settlement between the Justice Department and a $10 billion lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.

Under the agreement, individuals who claim they were victims of government weaponization can apply for compensation or formal apologies through a commission reviewing claims through 2028.

Republican senators joined Democrats in backing the ban. The vote exposed divisions within the Republican conference, with several members breaking ranks to support the effort to bar the fund. Other Republicans signaled unease about oversight and political fallout after hours of debate and internal negotiations.

In an interview with NBC News' Meet the Press, President Donald Trump declined to rule out payouts to January 6 defendants. "I wouldn’t be inclined to say so, but I have to see it," Trump said. A federal court has already paused the fund.

A key hearing expected in the coming days could determine whether the fund proceeds or is blocked more permanently. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche has said the Justice Department is "not moving forward with the fund, period" after the temporary block. Lawmakers have been uncertain whether to trust the administration’s position as they consider next steps.

Roughly 140 officers were injured in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, and more than 1,500 people were charged in connection with the riot.