US Shutdown Deal Sparks Controversy Over Senate Payouts and Legal Probes
A Senate provision in a spending bill allowing senators to sue for large payouts if their phone records are searched without notification has caused concern among House Republicans and Democrats, complicating efforts to end the government shutdown. The retroactive clause, linked to investigations of the Jan. 6 Capitol attack, has sparked criticism for potential self-dealing and lack of transparency, with some lawmakers calling for its removal or revision.
