Senate Republicans are now facing significant internal backlash as they grapple with a controversial provision in the government funding bill that could award eight GOP senators hundreds of thousands of dollars for having their phone records seized during a Biden-era probe. The measure, which was secretly negotiated by Senate Majority Leader John Thune with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, has sparked accusations of political favoritism and a lack of transparency in the legislative process.
The provision, signed into law by President Donald Trump last week, is meant to provide protection for senators against future weaponization of government investigations, particularly in response to the probe led by former special counsel Jack Smith. Thune defended the measure, stating it was necessary to prevent potential future abuses of power. However, many senators, including both Republicans and Democrats, are expressing confusion and frustration over the lack of transparency in the process. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) went so far as to quip that there could be “some stabbings” at the Senate GOP’s weekly lunch Wednesday when the issue will be discussed.
Some Senate Republicans admitted they hope the language is preserved. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) said he wanted the provision expanded to let a broader range of parties sue to show “how corrupt Jack Smith is.” Others, like Senate Commerce Chair Ted Cruz (R-Texas), who claims he was targeted by the Smith probe, praised Thune for including the language. Senate Budget Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who is confirmed to have had his records subpoenaed during the Smith investigation, has said he plans to take advantage of the provision to make it “so painful” for those involved.
The House is set to vote on repealing the provision, with support from Speaker Mike Johnson and House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan. In the Senate, several lawmakers, including Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) and Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), have signaled their intention to distance themselves from the policy and follow the House’s lead. The Democrats, including Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), are also pushing for its reversal, calling it a serious mistake.
The situation highlights the growing rift within the Senate over how to handle the fallout from the Smith probe and the broader implications of the provision. With tensions running high, the debate over the measure may take center stage during the GOP’s weekly lunch Wednesday, where lawmakers are expected to discuss the issue in detail.