Senate funding talks stall over settlement fund dispute

Partisan disagreement over a proposed settlement fund has entered Senate negotiations on legislation to fund the government past the fall. Democrats are seeking a vote to block the fund's creation, while Republicans have rejected the request as a poison pill.

The Department of Justice announced last week that the fund would be shelved and that no payouts would go to lawfare victims. Democrats have said they want statutory language to prevent any future revival of the fund.

House petition effort In the House, Rep.

Brian Fitzpatrick is collecting signatures on a petition that would force a vote on the fund outside the regular appropriations process. Rep. Kevin Kiley said he would support the petition, and Rep. Don Bacon said he is inclined to do so as well. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise urged members to use the regular committee process instead of petitions.

Senate budget disagreement Senate appropriators are also divided over the overall size of the budget beginning in October, with disagreement centered on defense spending levels. Democrats have said they want votes on several additional issues, including food assistance programs and affordability measures.

Sen. Patty Murray said Democrats want the ability to offer amendments on the settlement fund during the process. Sen. Brian Schatz said it would be very hard for Democrats to support funding for the Department of Justice without the anti-weaponization fund language.

Sen. Thom Tillis warned colleagues that failure to restrict the fund would become a political albatross in the fall campaign. Sen. John Cornyn questioned whether any legislative restriction could overcome a presidential veto.