Senate Democrats have introduced bills to stop taxpayer-funded payouts to people involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, including proposals to ban compensation funds and to bar federal money for civil settlements for defendants convicted of assaulting law enforcement. The "No Settlements for 5 January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulters Act," sponsored by Sen. Alex Padilla and Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, targets plans by some supporters to create reparations-style payouts for pardoned defendants. Critics say such payouts would insult officers and misuse public funds; the Justice Department has already approved an approximately $5 million settlement connected to Ashli Babbitt's death.
Senate Democrats Move To Block Taxpayer Payouts For Jan. 6 Defendants
Five years after the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Senate Democrats have introduced legislation designed to stop taxpayer funds from being used to compensate individuals involved in the riot — including those who later received presidential pardons.
What The Bills Would Do
One bill under consideration would prohibit the establishment of any government compensation fund intended to pay people who participated in the Capitol breach. A separate proposal, the "No Settlements for 5 January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulters Act," would bar the use of federal tax dollars to finance civil settlements for defendants convicted of assaulting law enforcement officers during the attack.
Sponsors And Rationale
The settlements bill is sponsored by Sen. Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), vice chair of the Senate Rules Committee, which oversees the Capitol grounds and the U.S. Capitol Police. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is a co-sponsor.
Sen. Padilla told CBS News the legislation "would hold these rioters accountable and protect taxpayers by putting an end to Donald Trump's callous attempt to rewrite history." Sen. Whitehouse added that the Jan. 6 attack "was an assault on our democracy" and called pardons for rioters a "slap in the face" to officers who protected the Capitol.
Supporters' Proposals And Reactions
Some supporters of Jan. 6 defendants have advocated for a claims or reparations-style fund to reimburse people charged in the riot for legal fees and related expenses. Attorney Mark McCloskey — who has publicly promoted compensation for Jan. 6 defendants — posted on X that he is "championing the cause of J6 compensation" and working to "expedite the establishment of a claims resolution procedure."
"To all the J6 political prisoners out there — I'm doing everything I can to get you back on your feet and get you some real justice," McCloskey wrote. "I won't stop fighting and I will never back down."
Those proposals have drawn strong criticism. Former Capitol Police officer Harry Dunn told CBS News: "This reeks of audacity. Not only did they get a pardon, they are saying they deserve a payday for the crimes they committed." Critics say taxpayer-funded payouts would be an affront to the officers and staff injured on Jan. 6.
Background: A Notable Settlement
The Justice Department under the current administration approved at least one civil settlement related to the Jan. 6 events: an approximately $5 million settlement to the family of Ashli Babbitt, who was shot and killed by a Capitol Police officer as she attempted to enter the Speaker's Lobby through a broken window. It is unclear whether other financial settlements for Jan. 6 participants are being considered; CBS News has sought comment from the Justice Department.
What Comes Next
The bills' prospects will depend on committee action and floor consideration in the Senate. Supporters say the measures are necessary to protect taxpayers and uphold accountability; opponents argue they could deny legal remedies in civil cases. Lawmakers, advocates and the public will be watching closely as the proposals move through the legislative process.
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