Originally published September 5, 2023 6:00 pm PDT
Rep. Clyde will draw upon the congressional power of the purse.
QUICK FACTS:
- Representative Andrew Clyde (R-GA) is planning to introduce two amendments to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2024 to defund the ongoing Donald Trump prosecutions.
- The amendments will affect the congressional appropriations process to defund Jack Smith, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis.
- One amendment will prohibit taxpayer dollars from funding federal prosecutions and the other will prohibit taxpayer funding for state prosecutions against major presidential candidates, according to a press release.
- Rep. Clyde explained in the press release that the “bogus charges” against Trump are designed to “hinder his ability to campaign effectively.”
- “This overt election interference continues to undermine both our Republic and our fair system of justice,” the congressman continued.
- The defunding amendments are expected to be debated in September.
STATEMENT FROM CLYDE:
- Rep. Clyde stated, “Due to my serious concerns about these witch hunt indictments against President Trump, I intend to offer two amendments to prohibit any federal funds from being used in federal or state courts to prosecute major presidential candidates prior to the 2024 election.”
- “The American people get to decide who wins the White House — not Deep State actors who have shamelessly attacked Donald Trump since he announced his first bid in 2015,” he added. “It is imperative that Congress use its power of the purse to protect the integrity of our elections, restore Americans’ faith in our government, and dismantle our nation’s two-tiered system of justice. I’m fully committed to helping lead this effort, and I call on my House Appropriations colleagues to join me in this righteous fight.”
BACKGROUND:
- In a video message, Donald Trump implored Republicans to adopt “an eye for an eye” approach against the ongoing “weaponization of justice.”
- “I hope that Republican district attorneys and attorneys general throughout the country are closely watching the tremendous weaponization of justice that is being utilized against me. There’s NEVER been anything like it,” Trump said.
- “Frankly, it’s ‘an eye for an eye,’ or it’s ‘fight fire with fire.’ What they’re doing to our country is amazing. So, Republicans, I hope you’re watching.”
