Story perspectives

Senators Seek Court to Uphold Blocked $1.8B Anti-Weaponization Fund

6/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senators Bill Cassidy and Cory Booker filed an amicus brief urging the court to keep the injunction on $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
A Virginia federal judge’s order blocked the fund, prompting the department to pause work and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to tell Congress it will not proceed, though it may still be defended in court.
Lawmakers warn the fund threatens a $70 billion immigration enforcement package, prompting Senate amendment proposals.

History

Historical Context

After the 1989 Stockton school shooting and the 1991 Luby’s massacre, Congress enacted the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act on August 25 1994, signed by President Bill Clinton, establishing a ten-year federal assault-weapon ban. The ban expired September 13 2004, and mixed research on its impact fuels ongoing litigation, such as Senators Bill Cassidy and Cory Booker’s recent amicus brief defending a standing injunction against the ban.

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Story summary

Senators Bill Cassidy and Cory Booker filed an amicus brief urging the court to keep the injunction on $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
A Virginia federal judge’s order blocked the fund, prompting the department to pause work and Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to tell Congress it will not proceed, though it may still be defended in court.
Lawmakers warn the fund threatens a $70 billion immigration enforcement package, prompting Senate amendment proposals.

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