1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing as your constituent to register my strong objection to the Department of Justice’s decision to pay $4.975 million to the estate of the insurrectionist Ashli Babbitt, who was shot while criminally participating in the violent breach of the U.S. Capitol on January 6, 2021. As widely reported, DOJ finalized this executive-branch settlement in June 2025 to resolve the estate’s wrongful-death lawsuit. This misuses taxpayer dollars and sets a troubling precedent. Rewarding conduct that endangered lawmakers, staff, police, and the peaceful transfer of power undermines accountability for political violence and demoralizes law enforcement who defended the Capitol that day. Even more troubling is the contrast between this payout and Congress’s failure to honor the heroes who died as a result of the attack. To this day, the plaque meant to commemorate the police officers who gave their lives has still not been installed. Yet millions of dollars are now being paid out to someone no that endangered those very officers. This settlement also sends a devastating message to America’s veterans and service members. Men and women who wore the uniform and swore an oath to defend our Constitution—many of whom laid down their lives in service—are left to wonder why someone who broke that oath, attacked our democracy, and stormed the Capitol is now being financially rewarded. It dishonors their sacrifice and risks undermining faith in the meaning of service itself. I urge you to: 1. Demand transparency on DOJ’s rationale and hold hearings. 2. Legislate guardrails to prevent future payouts, and possibly revoke this one, in cases tied to violent federal crimes. 3. Publicly reaffirm support for officers, veterans, and the Constitution—and ensure the plaque honoring fallen police is finally placed. Please let me know how you will act on this. America must never reward insurrection or dishonor those who gave their lives defending our democracy. Do the right thing.