WASHINGTON — Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche is set to testify before the House Appropriations Committee on June 2, 2026, as lawmakers scrutinize the paused “Anti-Weaponization Fund” that could provide compensation to individuals prosecuted for their roles in the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. The hearing was scheduled to address the Justice Department’s budget but is expected to focus on the fund’s eligibility criteria and legal basis.

The Trump administration signaled it was pausing plans to implement the nearly $1.8 billion fund, which stems from a settlement in President Donald Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over the leak of his tax returns. A federal judge in Virginia has temporarily blocked the administration from creating or operating the fund through at least mid-June 2026, and the Justice Department has said it will comply with the court order.

At a Senate budget hearing in May 2026, Blanche declined to rule out payouts to individuals involved in violence on January 6, 2021. He later clarified in a private meeting with GOP senators that no one who assaulted police would be eligible. “There were fireworks at an epic level — and I’ve got to say, it’s one of the roughest meetings I’ve seen in my entire time in the Senate,” Republican Senator Ted Cruz of Texas said.

Cruz recounted that Blanche was “adamant” that individuals who attacked law enforcement would not receive compensation. Cruz also said Blanche used forceful language to reject the idea, including saying “hell no” to compensation for those who assaulted police.

Many Republicans in Congress have expressed strong opposition to the fund, with some saying they will withhold support for the Homeland Security spending bill until the White House agrees to impose limits on it. Blanche has maintained in interviews that anyone who feels persecuted by the criminal justice system may apply for compensation. A five-member commission appointed by Blanche will decide on payouts, with four of the five members selected directly by him.