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Most Republican senators whose phone records were accessed in the investigation that led to special counsel Jack Smith’s Jan. 6 probe are backing away from a new statute in the shutdown-ending bill signed by President Donald Trump that would let them sue the government for up to $500,000 per instance of unnoticed data access. Bill Hagerty, Josh Hawley, Dan Sullivan and Marsha Blackburn say they won’t seek damages; Cynthia Lummis hasn’t decided. Lindsey Graham vows to sue, and Tommy Tuberville threatens broad legal action. House Speaker Mike Johnson plans a vote to repeal the provision, with Senate prospects unclear.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.