Graham blocks vote over DOJ suability provision
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Washington — Senator Lindsey Graham blocked a Senate vote Friday on a bipartisan spending package as he demanded restoration of a provision allowing senators to sue the Justice Department and notification before investigators access their phone records. Leadership had attached a House-approved repeal of that provision to the funding bill ahead of a midnight deadline. Graham sought separate commitments for votes on related measures, including criminalizing sanctuary-city leaders. Senate leaders negotiated to advance funding for most agencies while resolving the dispute. Lawmakers continued talks into Friday evening to avoid a lapse in appropriations. Based on 6 articles reviewed and supporting research.
More context
Timeline
- 1. Jan. 6, 2021: DOJ sought phone metadata in investigation of the Capitol attack.
- 2. 2025 (reported as 'last year'): Law enacted providing certain senators a damages remedy for accessed records.
- 3. Earlier this month: House voted unanimously to repeal that remedy and attached the repeal to a funding bill.
- 4. Thursday (this week): Senate leaders attempted unanimous consent to fast-track appropriations; Sen. Graham objected and blocked the vote.
- 5. Friday (this week): Negotiations continued as leaders sought to pass most funding while resolving Graham's demands to avoid a partial shutdown.
Sources
JQJO Editorial Desk · Human reviewed · AI assisted. Report a correction.
