U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois sent a letter on May 20 to Department of Justice Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, requesting immediate information about the use of nearly $2 billion in taxpayer funds that Durbin said may benefit January 6 insurrectionists and political allies of President Trump.
Durbin wrote, “The American people deserve accountability and transparency as to who is eligible to receive payment from this fund, particularly whether individuals who participated in the January 6, 2021 insurrection at the United States Capitol, including those who assaulted law enforcement officers, will be eligible for compensation.”
During a recent appearance before the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Blanche was asked about eligibility for claims from the fund. He responded that “anybody in this country is eligible.” When specifically asked if those who assaulted law enforcement on January 6 would qualify, Blanche said, “I’m not one of the commissioners” administering the fund.
Durbin said in his letter that Blanche’s response suggested he would have no input or authority over how taxpayer money would be administered. “These failures to detail any eligibility criteria only compound the concerns that this nearly $1.8 billion fund was created and approved by the Department of Justice with no limitations on how the money will be disbursed and for the purpose of both shielding and rewarding wrongdoing by the President and his allies. I cannot fathom a more irresponsible treatment of taxpayer funds,” Durbin continued.
The letter also referenced President Trump’s blanket pardon issued at the start of his second term to nearly 1,600 January 6 participants. Durbin wrote that many continued committing crimes such as conspiracy to murder FBI agents; charges involving exploitation of child victims; sexual assault; threats against House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries; among others. He concluded, “To prioritize rewarding these insurrectionists as if they have been victimized while hard-working, honest Americans struggle to make ends meet in this economy of skyrocketing food and gas prices is indefensible.”
Durbin requested documentation regarding administration of the fund by May 28. Durbin has held leadership positions including Senate Democratic Whip and represented Illinois while focusing on federal agency matters and health initiatives such as childhood asthma programs, according to his official website.
