Democrats Force Vote on Trump’s $1.776 Billion Settlement Fund as GOP Support Frays
Updated
Updated · PBS NewsHour · May 20
Democrats Force Vote on Trump’s $1.776 Billion Settlement Fund as GOP Support Frays
9 articles · Updated · PBS NewsHour · May 20
$1.776 billion in proposed settlement money for Trump allies is set for a Senate test after Democrats said they will force amendment votes during debate on the GOP’s immigration enforcement bill.
Republicans are vulnerable because the bill is moving through budget procedures that trigger a long amendment series, and several GOP senators already oppose the fund or warn Jan. 6 rioters could benefit.
Two Capitol police officers sued Wednesday to block any payouts, while Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche would not rule out compensation for rioters who assaulted police during the 2021 attack.
The fight lands as Senate Republicans also struggle to keep a separate $1 billion White House security package in the bill, exposing broader tensions with Trump over costs, Senate rules and his attacks on GOP lawmakers.
What precedent does this settlement set for executive power and the use of taxpayer funds without direct legislative approval?