Washington, DC: Reps Tom Suozzi (D-NY) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) on Thursday introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing taxpayer dollars from being used to finance the Justice Department’s newly created “Anti-Weaponization Fund,” a controversial $1.776 billion compensation program established under a settlement tied to President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS.
The proposed measure, titled the “Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act,” would bar any federal funds from being used to pay claims submitted to the fund, which the Department of Justice (DoJ) announced on May 18.
Rep Fitzpatrick said Congress has a constitutional responsibility to protect taxpayer dollars and oversee federal spending.
“The Bipartisan Transparency for American Taxpayers Act ensures federal funds cannot be used for this fund without the transparency, oversight, and legal safeguards the American people deserve. Taxpayer dollars will not become a discretionary payout fund. Transparency is not optional. Accountability is not negotiable," he said.
"The bipartisan legislation reflects growing concerns about executive overreach and the use of taxpayer dollars without congressional authorization or oversight. The bill reinforces Congress’s constitutional authority over federal spending and seeks to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds," a statement from the Office of Congressman Tom Suozzi read.
According to the Department of Justice, the fund is intended to compensate Americans who claim they were victims of political “weaponization” or “lawfare” by the federal government.
But the initiative has triggered sharp criticism from lawmakers in both parties, with opponents warning it could allow taxpayer-funded payouts to individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol attack or others claiming politically motivated prosecution.
