Freedom Caucus member introduces plan to cut funding for Willis and Bragg

Washington Examiner

Brady Knox | June 3, 2024

EXCLUSIVE — Rep. Michael Cloud (R-TX), member of the House Freedom Caucus, is putting teeth on threats by Republicans to hit back at Democrats after former President Donald Trump‘s historic felony conviction.

Cloud introduced a measure to cut funding for offices that have prosecuted Trump and his supporters. Cloud specifically named Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg and Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis as targets of the measure.

“I will be introducing Appropriations amendments to block federal funding grants for Alvin Bragg, Fani Willis, and other offices who have participated in the left’s lawfare targeting Trump and his supporters,” Cloud said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “And there will be more amendments to follow.”

Cloud was appointed to the House Appropriations Committee in January 2023, which controls the federal budget.

“House GOP Leadership must realize where we are at and stop compromising with Democrats on every problem,” Cloud wrote in a post on X shortly after Trump’s conviction. “It’s time to stand strong and defend our Constitution against Democrats’ continued attacks on our rule of law.”

Cloud’s effort adds to a list of ways Republicans are trying to punish Democrats after Trump’s conviction. Among these efforts is that of 10 Republican senators who pledged to refuse to work on bipartisan legislation.

Cloud’s amendment didn’t mention whether his plan will limit funding for special counsel Jack Smith, but House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) separately announced that House Republicans are investigating Smith and Bragg.

“House Republicans are investigating Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg and Special Counsel Jack Smith for targeting political opponents,” Johnson posted on X. “The American people deserve answers, and we will not tolerate this two-tiered system of justice.”