On the fifth anniversary of the January 6 Capitol riot, Senate Democrats have introduced two bills to prevent taxpayer money from funding compensation or settlements for convicted rioters. Sponsored by Sen. Alex Padilla, the measures aim to hold the insurrectionists accountable amid President Trump's pardons. It's a bold move to protect public funds and honor the defending officers.
Darlings, grab your popcorn because the tea is piping hot on this political showdown! Tuesday, marking five years since that chaotic mob of Trump supporters stormed the Capitol to flip the 2020 election, Senate Dems dropped two bills faster than you can say 'insurrection.' First up: a ban on any compensation fund for those January 6 troublemakers. And the second? The cheekily named 'No Settlements for January 6 Law Enforcement Assaulters Act,' which slams the door on federal tax dollars paying civil settlements for rioters convicted of assaulting police. 🔥
Leading the charge is California Democrat Sen. Alex Padilla, vice-chair of the Senate Rules Committee. 'This legislation would hold these rioters accountable and protect taxpayers by putting an end to Donald Trump’s callous attempt to rewrite history,' Padilla told CBS News. He didn't stop there: 'These insurrectionists should still be serving their sentences and paying fines for damages they caused to the Capitol — not receiving refunds or cash rewards from the Trump Administration.' Spill! 👀
But wait, the drama thickens. Trump's admin already greenlit a $5 million settlement to the family of Ashli Babbitt, shot while trying to breach the House Speaker’s Lobby. Meanwhile, attorney Mark McCloskey is out here championing 'J6 political prisoners' and pushing for claims resolution. Messy much?
Adding salt to the wound: that required plaque honoring Capitol Police heroes? Still not up, despite a 2022 law and a 2024 deadline. Dems are DIY-ing makeshift versions outside their offices, reading: 'On behalf of a grateful Congress, this plaque honors the extraordinary individuals who bravely protected and defended this symbol of democracy on Jan. 6, 2021. Their heroism will never be forgotten.' House Speaker Mike Johnson? Crickets on unveiling it. Officers Harry Dunn and Daniel Hodges sued, blasting: 'By refusing to follow the law... Congress encourages this rewriting of history.' Johnson's team calls the law 'not implementable.' Facepalm. 🙄
In a nation screaming 'Back the Blue,' why the shade on these officers? Is this the GOP's selective memory at play, or just more Capitol chaos? Stay tuned—history's rewrite might just get a plot twist.