Congresswoman Torres Condemns Republicans for Allowing Jan. 6 Insurrectionists to Hold Taxpayer-Funded Government Jobs at FY26 FSGG Markup

Congresswoman Torres Condemns Republicans for Allowing Jan. 6 Insurrectionists to Hold Taxpayer-Funded Government Jobs at FY26 FSGG Markup

Republicans rejected key amendments that fight to hold our democracy accountable and ensure our taxpayer dollars are spent efficiently

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres introduced two key amendments during the House Appropriations Committee's markup of the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) funding bill. Despite their direct focus on public safety and government accountability, House Republicans rejected both amendments.

"Republicans had the chance to stand on the side of justice and public safety today - and they failed," said Congresswoman Norma Torres. "Blocking my amendments means opening the door for violent insurrectionists to be rewarded with taxpayer-funded jobs and undermining Congress's ability to hold the Trump Administration accountable for how they are spending taxpayers' money. These are commonsense measures, and their rejection makes clear that Republicans continue to prioritize politics over protecting the American people. I will never stop fighting to deliver justice, strengthen accountability, and safeguard our democracy."

Congresswoman Torres' amendments included:

Banning of January 6 Rioters from Taxpayer-Funded Federal Jobs- This amendment would ban the federal government from hiring or employing insurrectionists pardoned by former President Trump for their role in the violent January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol. Those who try to overthrow our democracy and the federal government should never hold a taxpayer-funded government job. TheTrump Administration has hired Jared Wise, a January 6 insurrectionist who was caught on camera urging fellow rioters to "kill" police while they defended the Capitol, has been hired as a senior advisor for Trump's Department of Justice.

Mandating cooperation with the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) Investigations and Audits - The GAO is Congress' independent watchdog whose sole purpose is to ensure taxpayer dollars are spent effectively and to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. Since 2002, GAO investigations have resulted in more than $1.45 trillion in savings for taxpayers. This amendment would have prohibited federal agencies from withholding information from the GAO or delaying its investigations, ensuring independent oversight is not undermined, especially as Trump White House officials have stated they will only cooperate when it does not "unduly burden" Trump's agenda.

While these amendments were voted down by the Republican majority in markup, Congresswoman Torres reaffirmed her commitment to holding the government accountable and ensuring that individuals who threaten democracy are not placed in positions of public trust.

###