Fitzpatrick Vows to Block DOJ's $1.8 Billion Fund as Republicans Demand Details

1 articles · Updated · CNN · May 20

Brian Fitzpatrick said he "100%" wants to stop the Justice Department's nearly $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund and sent a letter demanding answers on its legal basis and funding source.
The Pennsylvania Republican said he is drafting possible legislative text once lawmakers determine what jurisdiction Congress has over the program.
Scrutiny is spreading inside the GOP: John Thune said appropriators will likely examine the fund next fiscal year, while Susan Collins pressed acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on payouts, legal authority and public disclosure.
Mike Johnson, James Comer and Tom Cole all said they were not consulted or lacked basic details, highlighting how even senior Republicans were left in the dark about the administration's move.
DOJ says the settlements would draw from the existing judgment fund and be overseen by a five-member board, though one federal employment-case source said the new fund may change little legally while carrying major political fallout.

Can a fund created by one branch of government legally distribute nearly $2 billion without legislative approval?

What precedent allows a lawsuit settlement to create a public compensation fund for individuals not party to the case?