1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the controversial provision in the recent Senate bill that could allow certain senators to sue the U.S. government for at least $1 million each if their phone or digital records were obtained without notice. This clause, buried within the 394-page bill to end the government shutdown, is deeply concerning and appears to be a self-serving measure that benefits a select group of lawmakers at the expense of American taxpayers. The provision, which is retroactive to 2022, seems tailored to apply to eight Republican senators whose records were subpoenaed during Special Counsel Jack Smith's investigation into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. This creates a clear conflict of interest and raises serious ethical questions about the use of legislation for personal gain. The potential payout, starting at $1 million per person and funded by U.S. taxpayers, is an egregious misuse of public funds, especially in the context of a bill meant to address a government shutdown. This clause has rightfully drawn criticism from both Democrats and some Republicans, who view it as corrupt and self-serving. While I appreciate the urgency of ending the government shutdown and ensuring federal operations resume immediately, this controversial provision must not be allowed to stand. I strongly urge you to support efforts to repeal this clause as soon as possible. House leaders have promised to revisit or repeal this section 'next week,' and I implore you to hold them accountable to this commitment. The integrity of our legislative process and the responsible use of taxpayer money are at stake. By taking swift action to remove this provision, you can demonstrate your commitment to ethical governance and fiscal responsibility. Please prioritize the repeal of this clause and ensure that our laws serve the interests of all Americans, not just a privileged few.