Reps. Tom Suozzi and Brian Fitzpatrick, co-chairs of the House Problem Solvers Caucus, have introduced legislation to prevent the Justice Department from disbursing funds from its newly established $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund." The bipartisan duo is urging Republican lawmakers to join them in blocking the fund, which has drawn significant backlash since its announcement.

Fitzpatrick stated that the fund bypasses Congress's constitutional authority over appropriations. "Congress appropriates money. The executive branch does not have a dime of money in its own level. Every dollar that goes to the executive branch emanates from Article I, emanates from Congress through the appropriations process we are in now," Fitzpatrick told ABC News.

The Justice Department's fund is intended to provide settlements for those claiming victimization by the government. However, concerns have been raised that this could include individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol insurrection, particularly those who assaulted law enforcement officers.

Suozzi emphasized the importance of checks and balances in government, asserting that Congress must hold the executive branch accountable when it acts improperly. "It’s really up to the Republicans to join with the Democrats. Everybody knows this is wrong," Suozzi said. "That's the purpose of the checks and balances in government, so that one branch of government does something stupid or wrong, the other branch holds them accountable."

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche met with Republican senators on Thursday in an attempt to mitigate the growing opposition to the fund. Sources indicated the meeting was contentious, with some Trump allies expressing strong disapproval. One individual reportedly told Blanche, "You created this s--- sandwich, you got to figure it out."

When questioned about the possibility of Jan. 6 rioters receiving payments, Blanche stated that "People that hurt police get money all the time." He later clarified that while individuals may apply, there was no guarantee of payment, and that paying law enforcement officers would be "abhorrent."

The announcement of the fund has generated bipartisan criticism, with many viewing it as an inappropriate use of taxpayer money and a potential reward for illegal activities. The bill introduced by Suozzi and Fitzpatrick seeks to halt any payments from the fund until Congress can further review its implications and legality.

Further debate is expected as lawmakers grapple with the executive branch's use of funds and the potential beneficiaries. The core of the dispute lies in whether the Justice Department has the authority to create such a fund without explicit congressional appropriation, and the ethical considerations surrounding potential recipients.