No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act

H.R. 7711, the No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act, would prevent the federal government from using taxpayer money to compensate individuals who were prosecuted for their participation in the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. This prohibition would apply to all federal funding sources, including the Judgment Fund and victim compensation programs, and would remain in effect even if individuals were later pardoned. The bill would also ban the creation of any new compensation fund specifically designed to pay these individuals and would prevent the refunding of court-ordered fines, restitution, or other financial penalties they were required to pay as part of their convictions.

The bill addresses concerns that some individuals who received pardons or clemency for their Capitol involvement are now seeking millions of dollars in compensation from the federal government. According to bill supporters, approximately 400 pardoned individuals are currently seeking such payments, with some claims exceeding $100 million. The legislation would ensure that any court-ordered financial penalties remain with the federal government rather than being refunded to those convicted. If enacted, this bill would establish a legal barrier preventing the executive branch from using federal funds or entering into settlement agreements to compensate January 6 defendants.