The House of Representatives voted unanimously on November 19 to repeal a controversial provision that would have allowed U.S. senators to sue the federal government for up to $500,000 if their phone records were accessed without prior knowledge. This provision, inserted into a recent government funding package, had triggered intense bipartisan backlash after it was revealed to enable personal legal action—and sizable payouts—exclusively for senators, retroactive to 2022.
A Self-Serving Clause Sparks Outrage
Lawmakers from both parties condemned the measure as “self-serving” and “out of line,” noting that House members and the public were excluded from similar protections or payouts. According to the repealed clause, any senator whose records were subpoenaed or accessed by federal officials could immediately seek damages through civil litigation even if they were not the target of a criminal investigation.
Response and Next Steps
House Speaker Mike Johnson and several Republican leaders said they were blindsided by the provision’s inclusion, vowing swift action to reverse it. The vote to repeal passed 426-0, reflecting rare unity in Congress. The Senate’s top Republican, John Thune, initially defended the clause but said the chamber would review the House move.
Senators’ Phone Records and Broader Context
The law was written in response to revelations that the Justice Department had obtained the phone records of at least eight GOP senators in a special counsel probe related to the 2020 election. Only Senator Lindsey Graham indicated he might pursue litigation under the measure, hoping to set a precedent and serve as a deterrent.
Congressional leaders are now under pressure to better scrutinize last-minute additions to legislation, aiming for more transparency and public trust. The bill’s undoing follows days of debate about privilege and accountability at the heart of American democracy.