Senate Republicans are reportedly divided and frustrated over a provision included in legislation that reopened the federal government after a shutdown. This provision would allow Republican senators whose phone records were accessed by Special Counsel Jack Smith's team during an investigation to sue the government for up to $500,000.
Some senators, like John Neely Kennedy, have expressed anger and confusion, calling it a "politically toxic, taxpayer-funded windfall" and a violation of trust. Despite these objections and the fact that several senators, including Marsha Blackburn, Lindsey Graham, and Josh Hawley, had their phone records seized, Senate Majority Leader John Thune has defended the provision, claiming it doesn't apply to them.
However, other Republicans are distancing themselves from the measure. Markwayne Mullin stated he would vote to repeal it, and Susan Collins blamed "the leaders" for its inclusion, asserting her own lack of involvement.
The House is expected to vote on repealing the provision, which Democrats have criticized as a significant mistake and a cash payout.
