House GOP aims to limit Jack Smith's influence in DOJ spending bill

House Republicans have unveiled a spending bill for fiscal 2025 that allocates $78.28 billion for the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies, with a 2% cut from the previous year. Notably, the bill does not target special counsel Jack Smith or other prosecutors investigating Trump, despite GOP accusations of the Justice Department being weaponized against conservatives. However, GOP lawmakers may seek amendments to the bill to address this issue as it progresses through the House. The legislation proposed by House appropriators aims to rein in the Justice Department's activities, with Speaker Mike Johnson expressing support for using the spending process for this purpose. Smith, who has cases against Trump related to classified documents and election interference, is at the center of the debate. House Republicans had sought to prevent federal funds from being used for criminal prosecutions of former or current Presidents or Vice Presidents, but this language is absent from the draft text. The bill also includes provisions to prevent the Justice Department from relocating the FBI headquarters and emphasizes fiscal responsibility and support for law enforcement efforts. Lawmakers are set to vote on various spending bills, including those targeting top Biden administration officials and special counsel Smith's prosecutions against Trump. House Speaker Johnson has criticized the prosecutions as politically motivated attacks to hinder Trump's reelection campaign. As House appropriators continue to work on the DOJ spending bill, challenges lie ahead in advancing other appropriations bills, including Defense and Homeland Security. With over 800 amendments filed for consideration, contentious issues such as immigration, abortion, and diversity may lead to partisan divides. The Senate's consideration of the bills in their current form remains uncertain, potentially leading to a prolonged spending battle that could extend beyond the upcoming election. Senate leaders and the White House may opt to delay the funding deadline until after the 2025 presidential and Senate control outcomes are determined.