Federal payouts to January 6 participants would be banned under HR 7711

What does this do?

HR 7711 would prohibit the federal government from using taxpayer money to pay or compensate people prosecuted for participating in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. The bill blocks use of the Judgment Fund and bars creation of any new fund for this purpose. It also prevents the government from refunding fines, restitution, or court fees paid by people convicted of January 6-related crimes.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects people charged with January 6-related crimes who might seek financial compensation from the government, and those who paid court-ordered fines or fees and expected a refund after a pardon. It does not affect people who had no involvement in January 6 events.

Why does it matter?

Unpaid refunds that would otherwise have gone to pardoned January 6 participants would instead be redirected to the Architect of the Capitol, the agency that maintains the Capitol building and grounds. People who believe their prosecution was improper would be blocked from recovering money through legal claims against the government.

What does it cost, and who pays?

The bill restricts use of the Judgment Fund, a federal pool of money used to settle legal claims, for Jan. 6 participants. Fines and fees already collected from convicted individuals would not be returned and would go to the Architect of the Capitol instead.

Where does it stand?