Staff Reports
WASHINGTON D.C. — U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-Arizona), Adam Schiff (D-California), and Elissa Slotkin (D-Michigan) introduced legislation Monday aimed at shutting down the Trump administration’s newly referenced “Anti-Weaponization Fund” and imposing new restrictions on the Department of Justice’s settlement fund.
The bill, titled the Drain the Slush Fund Act, seeks to block taxpayer dollars from being disbursed to President Donald Trump, his allies, individuals convicted of crimes, or those involved in the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol events. It would also prohibit future use of DOJ settlement funds for payments tied to claims or lawsuits filed by the president or vice president, with the restrictions applying retroactively to Jan. 20, 2025.
The senators announced the legislation during a press conference held on Monday.
“This so-called Anti-Weaponization Fund represents a $1.7 billion allocation that critics say could be used inappropriately,” Kelly said in a statement. “Americans are struggling to make ends meet, and we must ensure taxpayer money isn’t directed toward political allies or those involved in unlawful activities.”
Schiff described the fund as “one of the most brazenly corrupt schemes” and pledged to force a vote on the measure as Republicans consider additional funding priorities. “As senators who have seen government weaponized, we will not allow a single payout from this fund,” he said.
Slotkin highlighted concerns over potential conflicts of interest, referencing other issues, including Trump’s family business dealings.
“This fund is an unprecedented misuse of taxpayer money,” she stated. “Democrats, Republicans, and Independents want the president focused on the economy. Our colleagues should join us to prevent further problems and reassert Congress’s role.”
“This thing is a disgrace,” Kelly said at the press conference. “Let’s call this what it is. “This is corruption in broad daylight.”
“They created this crooked fund to reward criminals who assaulted cops,” Kelly said. “I’m the son of two police officers. I find this a disgrace. And it should outrage every American regardless of political party.”
Bill Provisions
According to a summary released by the offices, the Drain the Slush Fund Act would:
- Terminate the Anti-Weaponization Fund.
- Prohibit payments from DOJ settlement funds to the president, vice president, their immediate families, or designated allies.
- Bar disbursements to individuals convicted of federal crimes or those connected to the January 6 Capitol breach.
- Establish a permanent ban on using the settlement fund for resolutions stemming from lawsuits initiated by the president or vice president.
The legislation is positioned by its sponsors as a safeguard against executive overreach and potential self-dealing. Supporters of the administration have not yet issued detailed responses, though the fund was previously framed by Trump allies as a mechanism to address perceived past politicization of federal law enforcement.
The full text of the bill is available here. It is unclear at this time whether the measure will advance in the Senate, where Republican majorities typically control the agenda following the 2024 elections.
Senator Kelly, a former astronaut and Navy veteran, represents Arizona in his second term. The Gila Herald will continue to monitor developments on this legislation and its potential impact on federal spending and oversight.
