House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) informed Democratic leadership on Thursday that he will force a floor vote on legislation designed to block President Trump’s controversial “anti-weaponization” fund and a related agreement that would shield Trump’s tax records from investigation.
Raskin’s move relies on a discharge petition, which requires 218 signatures to bypass the Republican-controlled committee process and bring the bill directly to the House floor. The tactic is a procedural end-run around GOP leadership, who have shown little appetite for reining in the fund.
What the Bill Targets
The legislation, formally titled the No Corrupt Agreements Requiring Taxpayer Expenditures Benefitting Lawbreakers and Assorted Non-Prosecution Covenants, Handouts, and Emoluments Act—or the NO CARTE BLANCHE Act—takes direct aim at acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. It combines two separate Raskin efforts: one to block the $1.776 billion fund created by the Justice Department after Trump dropped his $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS, and another to invalidate a deal that restricts investigations into Trump’s past tax activities.
The fund was initially established to compensate former January 6 defendants and other Trump allies who claim they were unfairly targeted by the government. Although Blanche has told lawmakers the fund is “not moving forward,” he has refused to provide written assurance or formally rescind the memo that created it.
Blanche’s Memo and Legal Implications
In addition to the fund, Blanche signed a memo that limits the government from pursuing claims against Trump, his family, or his businesses. The document states it “releases, waives, acquits” pending actions and that such claims are “forever barred and precluded” from being pursued against the president. Critics argue this amounts to a blanket immunity deal that undermines accountability.
Raskin’s push comes amid broader tensions within the GOP. Recent signs of conservative discontent with Trump’s grip on the party suggest some Republicans might be open to supporting the measure, though Raskin still faces an uphill climb to secure the needed signatures.
Political Fallout
The discharge petition strategy reflects a calculated gamble by Democrats to force a public vote on a politically charged issue. If successful, it would hand the White House a legislative defeat and expose divisions within the GOP. Meanwhile, the debate over the fund and the tax deal is likely to intensify as the 2024 election cycle heats up.
Raskin’s office declined to comment on the exact number of signatures secured so far, but aides say they are confident the bill will reach the floor. The outcome could have significant implications for the Justice Department’s independence and the scope of executive power.
