NEWS: Senate Republicans Block Sen. Schiff’s Push to Halt Trump’s Corrupt Payouts, Prevent Future Abuse of DOJ Settlement

Washington, D.C. - Early this morning, a majority of Senate Republicans voted to block U.S. Senator Adam Schiff's (D-Calif.) attempt to shutter President Donald Trump's so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund and prevent corrupt self-dealing by the president.

The adoption of Schiff's amendment would have prevented taxpayer dollars from being paid to the president or his allies including those convicted of crimes or those related to the insurrection on January 6, 2021, and ensured that no president or vice president can replicate President Trump and Acting Attorney General Blanche's unprecedented and corrupt slush fund.

Senator Schiff forced the final amendment vote on the reconciliation bill, but it ultimately fell short of passage. Five Republicans voted in support of the amendment including Senators Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska). The amendment failed at a vote of 51-48.

Schiff first introduced this amendment as the Drain the Slush Fund Act, alongside Senator Elissa Slotkin (D-Mich.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) earlier this week.

"Mr. President, members, this amendment is very brief. Its operative language is a single sentence, it provides no judgment, award, compromise, settlement, interest, or costs shall be authorized for payments that arise out of a lawsuit or claim filed by the president or vice president, that's it. Doesn't single out any president in particular, not past, not present, not future. It applies to all. Does anyone here believe this slush fund is a good idea? If there's anyone here who believes it's a good idea, say so. Speak out, say so. Does anyone think this is a good idea? Anyone? If not, let's do something about it. Support this amendment, and let's put this to rest for good. I urge an aye vote," said Senator Schiff on the Senate Floor while offering his amendment.

The Senator's amendment can be found here.

The Senator's speech offering the amendment can be found here.

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