1. United States
  2. Ind.
  3. Letter

Oppose the $500,000 Payouts for Lawmakers in the Spending Bill- It’s Disgraceful

To: Rep. Messmer, Sen. Young, Sen. Banks

From: A verified voter in Mount Vernon, IN

November 12, 2025

I’m writing to strongly oppose the provision in the latest spending bill that allows eight members of Congress to sue the federal government for up to $500,000 because the FBI subpoenaed their phone records during the January 6 investigation. This carve-out is an abuse of power and a disgraceful misuse of public money. Lawmakers should not be granted special privileges or payouts when legitimate investigations are conducted in the public interest, especially into an attack on our democracy. If everyday Americans aren’t entitled to cash settlements for lawful subpoenas, neither should members of Congress be. Please remove this self-serving provision from the bill. It erodes trust in government and sends the message that those in power can rewrite the rules to protect themselves. How embarrassing that this dangerous trick was put in the bill!!

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