Story perspectives

Senate Rejects Block on $1.8B Jan. 6 Fund

6/7/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senate vote 49-50 failed to bar the $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund, leaving it uncertain.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said Department is not moving forward with the fund and a judge will hear the case June 12.
Judgment Fund remains available for Jan. 6 payouts, a sub-$5 million settlement to Ashli Babbitt’s family.
Senator Cory Booker and Senator Bill Cassidy filed a brief alleging the fund bypasses Congress, with Republican senators joining Democrats blocking it.

History

Historical Context

On April 19 1995 the Oklahoma City bombing pushed Congress to pass the Antiterrorism and Effective Death Penalty Act of 1996, which added federal victim-assistance provisions administered by the Department of Justice. The law created a broader victim-relief framework, and that precedent is now cited by Senate leaders as they debate the Jan. 6 compensation fund.

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Story summary

Senate vote 49-50 failed to bar the $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund, leaving it uncertain.
Attorney General Todd Blanche said Department is not moving forward with the fund and a judge will hear the case June 12.
Judgment Fund remains available for Jan. 6 payouts, a sub-$5 million settlement to Ashli Babbitt’s family.
Senator Cory Booker and Senator Bill Cassidy filed a brief alleging the fund bypasses Congress, with Republican senators joining Democrats blocking it.

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