Senate bill bars federal payouts to pardoned January 6 defendants

What does this do?

S 3582 would prohibit the federal government from using taxpayer money, including the Judgment Fund, to pay or reimburse people charged in connection with the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack. The bill also bars refunds of fines or restitution those individuals already paid to courts, even if their convictions were later reversed or they received pardons. It additionally blocks the creation of any new fund set up to compensate those individuals.

Who does it affect?

The bill directly affects people prosecuted in connection with January 6 who might seek government compensation, particularly those who received pardons. It also affects federal agencies that handle legal payouts.

Why does it matter?

Any money that would otherwise be refunded to January 6 defendants would instead go to the Architect of the Capitol, the office responsible for maintaining the Capitol building damaged during the attack. The bill has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee and has not yet been voted on or become law.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Judgment Fund blocked for Jan. 6 payments
• Fines redirected to Architect of the Capitol
• No new compensation funds allowed