WASHINGTON, D.C. — Representative Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), alongside Representatives Jason Crow (CO-06), Chris Deluzio (PA-17), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), introduced the Drain the Slush Fund Act, legislation designed to prevent the misuse of Department of Justice settlement funds and ensure taxpayer dollars are used in the public interest.

The legislation would prohibit the use of the Department of Justice Settlement Fund for settlements or payments stemming from claims or lawsuits filed by a President or Vice President, helping safeguard against future abuses regardless of which party controls the White House.

"While families struggle to afford groceries, gas, housing, and childcare, President Trump is focused on creating a $1.7 billion political slush fund disguised as an 'anti-weaponization' initiative. This proposal is not about preventing weaponization; it is about creating a taxpayer-funded presidential slush fund under White House control," said Rep. Houlahan. "Taxpayer dollars should never be used to reward political allies, punish perceived opponents, or advance any president's personal agenda. Federal settlement funds belong to the American people and should be used to serve the public interest—not bankroll partisan schemes. That is why I am proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation to shut down this slush fund and ensure no President can use federal settlement dollars as a political piggy bank."

“Donald Trump built a slush fund to give your tax dollars to cop beaters & convicted criminals,” said Congressman Crow. “While working families pay more for gas, groceries, and healthcare, he wants to give your hard-earned money to Tina Peters & the Proud Boys. It’s disgusting, Americans deserve better, and Congress must stop this from ever becoming a possibility.”

“Giving public money to cop-beaters and oath-breaking insurrectionists should have never been on the table in the first place,” said Congressman Deluzio. “I don’t trust this Administration not to do it, so I’m proud to co-lead the Drain the Slush Fund Act to put this swampy nonsense to rest.”

“We will not stand by while President Trump attempts to usurp American taxpayer dollars for corrupt presidential payouts and backwards backdoor deals,” said Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander. “This commonsense bill is mission-critical to ensuring that public funding actually benefits the American public — not the President’s cronies and criminal allies.”

A companion bill is being led in the Senate by Senators Adam Schiff (CA), Mark Kelly (AZ), and Elissa Slotkin (MI).

This legislation builds on Rep. Houlahan's ongoing work to strengthen democratic institutions, increase government accountability, and guard against the misuse of federal power. Earlier this year, Houlahan introduced the NOPE Act, legislation designed to protect individuals and organizations from politically motivated harassment and prosecution by the federal government. Together, the bills seek to establish clear safeguards against the misuse of government authority and taxpayer resources, regardless of who occupies the White House.

Background

The Drain the Slush Fund Act would prohibit the Department of Justice Settlement Fund from being used to make payments related to claims or lawsuits brought by a sitting President or Vice President. The legislation is intended to prevent any administration from directing settlement funds toward political allies or personal interests and to ensure taxpayer dollars are used solely for legitimate public purposes.