Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s attempt to give Republicans a payout provision in the government funding bill has fallen flat. Only one Republican senator, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, plans to sue under the new legislative language that would award hundreds of thousands of dollars to senators subpoenaed as part of former special counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into President Donald Trump.
Seven other Senate Republicans have declined to publicly commit to seeking compensation, with some expressing concerns about accountability and others citing a desire for public hearings and oversight. House Speaker Mike Johnson has promised to hold a vote on a bill that would repeal the provision, which is expected to pass with bipartisan support. Despite their reservations, Graham remains committed to pursuing action under the provision, saying he wants to make it “painful” so no one ever does this again without notice.
The controversy surrounding the payout provision highlights the ongoing tensions between Republicans and Democrats over the use of taxpayer-funded windfalls for political leverage. With several Senate Republicans running for governor next year, their opposition to the provision raises questions about the impact on their future campaigns.
Source: https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/13/senate-republicans-phones-sue-jack-smith-00651463