Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators on Thursday to address growing concerns regarding a new $1.8 billion Department of Justice fund. The fund was established as part of a settlement stemming from President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service and is intended to provide compensation to those alleging prosecutorial overreach during the previous administration.

The proposal has ignited significant debate in Congress, with critics expressing alarm that the money could be used to compensate individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. Senator Thom Tillis voiced sharp criticism, arguing that it is fundamentally wrong to use taxpayer dollars to pay individuals who may have assaulted law enforcement officers during the riot.

Legislative opposition is mounting from both parties. Democratic leaders have introduced measures to impose a 100% tax on any disbursements made from the fund, while other lawmakers have proposed bills to block federal funding from being used for the initiative. Additionally, two police officers involved in the Capitol defense have filed a lawsuit seeking to have the fund declared illegal.

Addressing the controversy, Todd Blanche stated that the fund will be overseen by five appointed commissioners. He noted that the conduct of any claimant would be a primary consideration during the application process, suggesting that those who committed violent acts against law enforcement would face significant scrutiny when seeking compensation.