A last-minute addition to the bill that finally reopened the government after its record-breaking shutdown has ignited fury among House Republicans, exposing cracks in party ranks over what many see as a self-serving grab by senators. Reports from closed-door meetings indicate even mild-mannered Speaker of the House Mike Johnson was “livid” when he learned of the last-minute addition.
The provision, slipped into the Legislative Branch appropriations bill, lets certain senators sue the U.S. government for damages tied to former special counsel Jack Smith’s January 6 investigation—codenamed “Arctic Frost.” It targets cases where the Department of Justice subpoenaed phone records without notifying the affected lawmakers, a move that reeks of the kind of unchecked surveillance conservatives have long warned about from federal agencies.
The clause specifically allows senators to seek up to $500,000 in compensation, but only for themselves—not for President Trump or everyday Americans who faced similar intrusions. This exclusivity has fueled accusations that it’s nothing more than an insider perk, funded by taxpayers, to settle personal scores from the probe that ensnared eight Republican senators’ data through subpoenas to companies like Twitter (now X).
Lindsey Graham said, “Oh, definitely [if asked if he would file a lawsuit]… And if you think I’m going to settle this thing for a million dollars? No. I want to make it so painful no one ever does this again.”
Ted Cruz defended the insertion, telling Politico it was meant to give “real teeth” to protections against DOJ overreach. But not all senators are eager to cash in. Dan Sullivan has “no plans to sue,” according to his advisor, while Ron Johnson echoed that sentiment: “I have no plans at this time [to sue]… If I did sue, it would only be for the purpose of using the courts to expose the corrupt weaponization of federal law enforcement by the Biden and Obama administrations.”
On the House side, the backlash was swift and pointed. Speaker Johnson admitted he was blindsided: “I was just as surprised by the inclusion of that language as anyone. I had no prior notice of it at all… I was frustrated, as my colleagues are over here, and I thought it was untimely and inappropriate.”
He’s now pushing for a fast-tracked vote next week to strip it out, urging the Senate to follow suit.
Rep. John Rose, who introduced repeal legislation, called it out for its narrow focus: “The American people should not be asked to make compensation to United States senators, the ultimate insiders, if you will — who have been wronged, no doubt in my mind … this provision does not allow other Americans to pursue a remedy. It does not even allow the President of the United States, who was equally wrongfully surveilled and pursued by the Justice Department — they didn’t even include President Trump in this… They saved this special treat for themselves.”
Chip Roy didn’t hold back either: “Well, they heard them… I mean, you know, the lords don’t like to be told by mere commoners what to do. But we’re going to have to take a pretty strong stand on this one.”
Greg Steube went further, voting against the entire bill: “I’m not voting to send Lindsey Graham half a million dollars.”
The provision’s origins trace back to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who added it at the behest of Graham and Cruz, with a nod from Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Many senators claimed ignorance until the bill surfaced over the weekend, raising questions about how such a targeted favor made it through without broader scrutiny.
Marsha Blackburn, one of the affected senators, supports undoing it but plans to pursue a declaratory judgment instead: “This fight is not about the money; it is about holding the left accountable for the worst weaponization of government in our nation’s history.”
Democrats, predictably, piled on the criticism. Martin Heinrich fumed: “I am furious that the Senate Minority and Majority Leaders chose to airdrop this provision into this bill at the eleventh hour — with zero consultation or negotiation with the subcommittee that actually oversees this work… This is precisely what’s wrong with the Senate.”
This dust-up comes amid broader revelations about the “Arctic Frost” probe, where Smith’s team quietly scooped up lawmakers’ data without the usual alerts, fueling suspicions of a coordinated effort to target Trump allies. While the clause aims to deter future abuses, its Senate-only scope smacks of elitism, leaving President Trump and others out in the cold.
As House Republicans gear up for repeal, it serves as a reminder of how even within the party, the fight against deep-state tactics can get tangled in personal interests. With the government back open, the real test will be whether the Senate bends or digs in deeper.
Bypass Big Tech Censors
Preparing for the Unexpected: Your Essential Partner in Health Readiness
In an increasingly unpredictable world—where supply chain disruptions, natural disasters, and global travel can leave us vulnerable to sudden health challenges—being prepared isn’t just smart; it’s essential.
That’s where Jase Medical steps in, offering innovative solutions that empower individuals and families to take control of their health with emergency medication kits designed for real-life scenarios. As someone who’s always advocated for proactive wellness, I was impressed by how Jase Medical combines expert medical guidance with convenient, customizable options to ensure you’re never caught off guard.
At the heart of their offerings is the Jase Case, a comprehensive emergency antibiotic kit priced at just $289.95. This powerhouse contains five life-saving antibiotics and five vital symptom-relief medications, capable of treating over 50 common infections—from respiratory issues and skin conditions to traveler’s diarrhea and more.
What sets it apart? It’s fully customizable with 28 add-on options, including a specialized KidCase for children ages 2-11, making it ideal for families.
Whether you’re stocking up for home emergencies or preparing for remote adventures, the Jase Case provides peace of mind with medications that boast extended shelf lives—up to five years or longer when stored properly, with studies showing 90% potency retention even after 20 years.
For those on the move, the Jase Go travel med kit at $129.95 is a game-changer. Curated by physicians, it addresses over 30 common travel ailments, from digestive upsets to minor injuries, ensuring explorers, hikers, and globetrotters can handle health hiccups without derailing their plans.
And for targeted concerns, Jase Medical offers specialized kits like the UTI Kit ($99.95), which includes test strips and treatments for urinary tract infections, vaginal candidiasis, and even jock itch, or the Parasites Kit (starting at $199.95), featuring compounded Ivermectin and Mebendazole to combat internal and external parasitic infections.
But Jase Medical isn’t just about one-off kits; their Jase Daily service provides an extended supply of your ongoing prescriptions, supporting hundreds of medications for chronic conditions like diabetes, heart health, high blood pressure, mental health, and more. This ensures long-term preparedness, safeguarding against factory shutdowns or extreme weather that could interrupt your regular supply.
The process couldn’t be simpler or more reassuring. Start by customizing your order online, then benefit from a thorough review by a team of world-class physicians who ensure safety and accuracy. In most cases, prescriptions are issued after a quick consultation—sometimes just a call to clarify allergies or needs—and your kit arrives discreetly at your door. While they don’t accept traditional health insurance, many customers use HSA cards, and refills are available for added convenience.
What truly stands out is the real-world impact. As radio host Glenn Beck puts it, “The supply lines for antibiotics already are stressed to the max. Please have some antibiotics on hand… You can do it through Jase.”
One satisfied customer shared, “It could have been a nightmare. Instead, the best trip we’ve had,” after their kit turned a potential health crisis into a minor blip during a family vacation.
In a time when health uncertainties loom larger than ever, Jase Medical isn’t just selling products—it’s delivering empowerment. Don’t wait for the next disruption; visit Patriot.TV/meds today to build your personalized emergency plan and step into a more secure tomorrow. Your health, and your family’s, deserves nothing less.
