Summary
A deal to end the U.S. government shutdown includes a new rule that allows senators to sue the federal government if their phone records are searched as part of investigations related to January 6. This is causing disagreement, with Democrats saying it gives special legal rights to certain lawmakers. The deal was criticized after a Democratic amendment to remove the rule was rejected.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown agreement includes a rule allowing senators to sue if their phone records were accessed during January 6 investigations.
- Senators could sue for up to $500,000 if their data was seized without following the new rule's terms.
- The rule requires phone and internet companies to inform Senate offices if the federal government requests data about senators.
- This legal protection applies to data accessed since January 2022.
- Senators have five years to file lawsuits after learning about any breach of their data.
- Eight Republican senators could use this rule due to a 2023 review of their phone records by the FBI.
- Democrats argue this rule unfairly protects a select group of senators.
- Some House Republicans agreed with Democrats but voted against removing the rule.
