WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senate Democrats attempted to pass legislation via unanimous consent on Tuesday to abolish a $1.8 billion Department of Justice fund. Sen. Bill Hagerty objected to the unanimous consent request, blocking the measure under Senate rules.

The proposed legislation would nullify the Internal Revenue Service’s ban on auditing the tax returns of President Donald Trump and his family. The fund was created as part of a settlement in a lawsuit President Trump filed against his administration regarding the leak of his tax returns during his first term. President Trump stated he wants the fund to proceed, despite an initial federal court ruling that paused its creation.

Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., stated that President Trump's public comments indicate an intention to establish the fund, attributing this perspective to President Trump's own words. He said, "He’s going to do it unless we stop it." Schumer invited Republicans to support the bill, stating, "I invite Republicans to prove Trump wrong. Support this bill, outlaw this corruption, say it is a terrible idea on the floor so we can eliminate it permanently once and for all."

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche stated that the administration is not moving forward with the fund. Sen. Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., stated that President Trump has indicated he will not seek compensation from the fund. However, a federal judge noted in a ruling that Blanche's previous statements to Congress regarding the fund were not made under oath.

Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia issued an order blocking the administration from moving forward with the fund. Judge Brinkema ordered the Justice Department to submit a binding statement from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent by Friday, formally confirming the fund will not proceed. Judge Brinkema indicated she may dismiss the lawsuit if the Justice Department submits the required binding statement.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., expressed dissatisfaction with the administration's claims that the fund has been abandoned. He said, "It will be an issue if the weaponization fund isn’t effectively dead by the confirmation hearing, because I’ve still got a real problem with it being out there." Tillis indicated the uncertainty surrounding the fund could affect his vote on Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's confirmation. The fund also delayed Senate consideration of a recent reconciliation bill.