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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 05, 2026 | The Indian Eye 29

Suozzi, Fitzpatrick Introduce Bipartisan

Bill to Block Taxpayer Dollars from funding

DOJ’s “Anti-Weaponization Fund”

OUR BUREAU payer dollars without congressional
authorization or oversight. The bill
Washington, D.C.
reinforces Congress’s constitutional
ongressman Tom Suozzi (D– authority over federal spending and
NY) and Congressman Brian seeks to ensure transparency and
CFitzpatrick (R-PA) today in- accountability in the use of public
troduced the Bipartisan Transparen- funds.
cy for American Taxpayers Act, leg- The Department of Justice
islation to prohibit the use of federal (DOJ) announced on May 18, 2026,
funds for payments made through the that the U.S. Department of Trea-
Department of Justice’s newly creat- sury would direct $1.776 billion to
ed “Anti-Weaponization Fund.” This an account for the sole use of the
is the first bipartisan bill of its kind. Anti-Weaponization Fund. This
“This is a bipartisan bill to block Anti-Weaponization fund would be
the President’s $1.7 billion slush fund used to pay individuals who claim to
to pay off January 6th criminals and be victims of government “weapon-
other maladjusted minions! To allow ization” or “lawfare.” Notably, this
it to continue would set a danger- would include January 6th rioters
ous precedent,” said Congressman who assaulted Capitol Police Offi-
Suozzi. “Costs are skyrocketing. Gas, cers during their attempted coup of
groceries, utilities, healthcare—ev- the Capitol. Moreover, this legisla-
erything costs more! Instead of fixing tion included provisions that would
those problems, the President seems ing. Yesterday, I called on the DOJ the transparency, oversight, and le- disallow President Trump, his fam-
fixated going around the Congress to explain where this money is com- gal safeguards the American people ily, or his businesses from being au-
to settle personal scores and making ing from, who may receive it, and deserve. Taxpayer dollars will not dited by the Internal Revenue Ser-
Americans pay for it. I join Congress- under what authority this fund was become a discretionary payout fund. vice (IRS).
man Fitzpatrick in saying ‘this is un- created. Today, we are acting,” said Transparency is not optional. Ac- The Bipartisan Transparency for
acceptable!’” Congressman Fitzpatrick. “The Bi- countability is not negotiable.” American Taxpayers Act makes clear
“Congress has a constitution- partisan Transparency for American The bipartisan legislation re- that no federal funds may be used for
al responsibility to protect taxpayer Taxpayers Act ensures federal funds flects growing concerns about exec- the payment of any claim submitted
dollars and oversee federal spend- cannot be used for this fund without utive overreach and the use of tax- to the Anti-Weaponization Fund.

this summer, a stable hotel industry ity and certainty needed to help max- of the contract. riod at 18%, down from 26% at the
is essential for the Latino restaurants, imize that economic opportunity for • A 0.5% increase in employer con- same time last year, the deal helps
shops, and service businesses pre- them and the workers and families tributions to the Pension Fund this avoid labor disruptions that could
paring to welcome the world. Thank they support. We’re thankful for the January, amounting to nearly $11 have further discouraged visitors
you to the Hotel Association of New hotel industry’s continued leadership million that year. from staying in city hotels and spend-
York City for delivering a contract in supporting not only hotel workers, • Establishment of brand-new Hous- ing at nearby businesses.
that protects both workers and the but all of the workers that rely on it,” ing and Childcare Funds funded by About HANYC
small-business ecosystem they help said Frank Garcia, Chairman of the employers over the life of the con-
sustain,” said Eduardo Giraldo, New York Multicultural Business tract. Founded in 1878, the Ho-
President, Queens Hispanic Cham- Coalition. • Additional paid time off, fully paid tel Association of New York City
ber of Commerce. The new union contract includes family leave for new parents, and (HANYC) is the oldest hotel associ-
“This contract is a major win for continued nation-leading pay for ho- paid time off to vote in local, state, ation in the United States and one of
New York businesses and workers tel workers. Wages for non-tipped and federal elections. the oldest professional trade associ-
who rely on a strong hotel industry, workers will increase by $21.20 over The ratified contract comes just ations in the country. HANYC is an
especially the small businesses that the life of the contract, averaging weeks before visitors arrive in New internationally recognized leader in
are the backbone of the city’s tour- over 5% each year. Other key details York for the FIFA World Cup, help- New York City’s $11 billion tourism
ism economy. With the World Cup of the agreement include: ing ensure that hotels, hotel workers, industry, representing nearly 300
approaching, neighborhood restau- • Provisions to keep healthcare costs and the nearly 400,000 hospitality of the city’s finest hotels with more
rants and bars, retail shops, and oth- under control. and tourism workers supported by than 80,000 rooms and approximate-
er local businesses are preparing to • The continuation of nearly com- the industry can benefit from the ly 50,000 employees.
welcome visitors from around the pletely free healthcare for mem- once-in-a-generation event. With ho- Learn more at
world. This deal provides the stabil- bers and their families for the life tel bookings for the tournament pe- hanyc.org and savenychotels.com.

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