Rep. Andrew Clyde (R-Ga.) is proposing two amendments to an appropriations bill that would defund the various prosecutions of former President Trump.
He is adding to the defense of the former president mounted by Trump allies in the House as they circle the wagons in the face of four separate indictments.
Clyde, a member of the House Appropriations Committee, on Monday announced plans for two amendments to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) fiscal year 2024 appropriations bill that would “prohibit the use of federal funding for the prosecution of any major presidential candidate prior to the upcoming presidential election on November 5th, 2024,” according to a press release.
One amendment would pertain to federal prosecutions and the other addresses federal funding for state prosecutions.
That bill, one of 12 regular appropriations bills, is expected to be marked up in the House Appropriations Committee after the House returns in mid-September.
Clyde said that he is taking aim at special counsel Jack Smith, who has led charges against Trump relating to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results and retention of classified documents; Manhattan, New York District Attorney Alvin Bragg (D), who charged Trump in relation to 2016 hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels; and Fulton County, Georgia District Attorney Fani Willis (D), who charged Trump again in relation to the 2020 election.
“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,” Clyde said in a statement. Clyde said that he intends to offer two amendments to prohibit any federal funds from being used in federal or state courts to prosecute major presidential candidates prior the 2024 election. “Due my serious concerns about these witch hunt indictments against President Trump, I intend offering two amendments,” he said. I’m fully committed to helping lead this effort, and I call on my House Appropriations colleagues to join me in this righteous fight.” I am fully committed to leading this effort and I invite my House Appropriations co-workers to join me in the righteous battle.” Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., introduced a separate bill in July to defund Smith’s office. Marjorie Taylor Greene has also said that she will introduce an amendment. Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn., introduced a bill earlier this month to defund Smith’s federal salary. In July, a Clyde amendment to rescind funds for a new FBI building — a push supported by Republicans who have criticized the agency for alleged bias against Trump — failed due to lack of support from Republicans.
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