The House unanimously passed a bill to repeal a controversial Senate-added provision allowing senators to sue the federal government for $500,000 if investigators obtain their phone records without notice.
The provision, inserted into a government funding bill, had sparked bipartisan criticism for being self-serving and bypassing debate.
Supporters such as Senate Majority Leader John Thune argued it provides accountability for what they view as Justice Department overreach, while critics objected to its secretive inclusion.
The new House bill would roll back the measure, which is retroactive to 2022 and could allow eight GOP senators targeted in Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation to sue, CBS News has reported.
Several senators say they won’t seek damages, though Lindsey Graham signaled he may pursue a case, arguing the penalty is necessary to deter future violations.
