Senate Republicans Question DOJ Fund Created in Lawsuit Settlement

Senate Republicans are questioning a nearly $1.8 billion fund announced by the Department of Justice earlier this week. The fund was created through a settlement between the department and the Internal Revenue Service that ended a $10 billion lawsuit.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before senators to answer questions about the fund. A Democratic senator asked whether individuals who assaulted Capitol Hill police officers would be eligible to receive money from the fund. Blanche responded that any person in the country could apply.

Lawmakers are also working on a multibillion-dollar package to fund immigration operations. The same package includes a $1 billion request for security enhancements at a ballroom, though that request was removed by the Senate rules referee.

Senators are scheduled to meet with Blanche on Thursday morning in a closed-door session to discuss how the fund will operate. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said members have legitimate questions about the fund and whether it will be properly restricted. Officers who protected the Capitol on Jan. 6 filed a lawsuit on Wednesday to block the fund.