SIGN NOW: Politicians shouldn’t get $500,000 payouts from taxpayers. Congress must repeal Senate Republicans’ self-serving scheme NOW >>

SIGN THE PETITION

John, when the Senate caved over Trump’s government shutdown, they also quietly slipped something even more outrageous into the final bill – and lawmakers from both parties are rightfully sounding the alarm.

Buried in this massive bill is a provision that’d let certain senators sue for at least $500,000 of taxpayer money because their phone records were used as evidence in the Jan. 6 investigation. [1]

And already, Sen. Lindsey Graham is bragging that he’ll use this to sue the DOJ for over one million taxpayer dollars in order to “make it so painful, no one ever does this again.” [2]

John, investigating powerful people for wrongdoing shouldn’t be “painful” – it’s one of our government’s most important jobs!

Investigators shouldn’t have to worry about political retaliation or costing taxpayers huge sums of money just for doing their jobs – and elected officials should NOT be profiting off the people they serve.

The House is moving this week on a bill to end this scheme. They need to hear loud and clear that voters want this provision gone before it takes hold.

Sign the Petition: Tell Congress – No writing $500,000 checks to yourselves! Repeal this corrupt scheme today >>

SIGN THE PETITION

One of President Trump’s first acts upon returning to office was pardoning hundreds of January 6 defendants.

Then Trump started claiming that he’s the real victim in his multi-pronged attack on our democracy – demanding $230 million from taxpayers as restitution for the investigations into his alleged election interference and mishandling of classified documents. [3]

Now, these Republican senators are trying to follow suit – sending a chilling message to anyone who tries to hold them accountable, and getting rich in the process.

But John, here’s the good news: there's bipartisan momentum to right this wrong. Lawmakers in both parties are condemning this provision – including Speaker Mike Johnson, who has said the House will move quickly to repeal it. [4]

Bipartisan outrage this strong is rare, and it’s a real opening for change. Add your voice today to urge Congress to quickly and decisively repeal this payout scheme.

Add your name to tell Congress: Don’t let these politicians cash in. Strike this self-serving payout from the law now >>

Thanks for all you do,

The team at Common Cause

[1] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/11/13/senate-republicans-phones-sue-jack-smith-00651463
[2] Ibid.
[3] https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/trump-doj-compensation-millions-b2849569.html
[4] https://rollcall.com/2025/11/12/house-leaders-seek-repeal-of-senate-push-for-gop-payouts/