No Rewards for January 6 Rioters Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2]
- Committees
- Judiciary Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Feb 25, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to legally bar any financial benefit or refund from the federal government to individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol attack, reinforcing accountability and directing collected funds to the Capitol's upkeep.
What it actually does
This bill prohibits the use of any federal funds, including the Judgment Fund or victim compensation funds, to compensate individuals who were prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol, even if they were subsequently pardoned. It also forbids the establishment of any new compensation fund for such individuals. Furthermore, the bill prevents the refunding of any court-ordered payments (like restitution or fines) made by those convicted for their role in the attack, directing these amounts instead to the Architect of the Capitol.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue this bill ensures accountability for those involved in the January 6th attack, preventing taxpayer money from being used to reward or indemnify individuals who participated in an assault on democratic institutions. It reinforces the principle that criminal acts against the government should not result in financial gain or relief from penalties, and symbolically directs funds to the institution that was attacked.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that while the intent is clear, the bill could be seen as redundant given existing legal frameworks, or that it preemptively restricts future legislative or executive actions regarding compensation or pardons, potentially limiting the scope of justice or rehabilitation in unforeseen circumstances. Some might also argue it could be interpreted as targeting a specific political group.
The bill is very short and easy to read, allowing for a quick and thorough understanding of its provisions.
Section 2(a)
Prohibiting Federal Compensation for January 6th Participants
This section explicitly forbids the use of any federal funds, including money from the Judgment Fund (used for court awards against the U.S. government) or any victim compensation fund, to pay individuals who were prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. This prohibition applies even if an individual prosecuted for these actions is later pardoned.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this provision is crucial for ensuring that individuals who participated in an attack on the U.S. Capitol are not financially rewarded or indemnified by the federal government, upholding the principle of accountability for such actions.
Critics contend
Some might argue that this provision could be seen as overly broad or preemptive, potentially limiting future legal or executive discretion regarding pardons or specific compensation claims, even if such claims are deemed legitimate under different circumstances.
Tradeoffs
Balances the desire for accountability for specific actions against potential future legal or executive flexibility regarding compensation or the effects of pardons.
Section 2(b)
Ban on New Compensation Funds for January 6th Participants
This section specifically prohibits the creation of any new compensation fund that would be intended to provide financial payments to individuals who were prosecuted for their involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack. This ensures that no alternative mechanism is established to circumvent the general prohibition on federal compensation.
Section 3(a)
Preventing Refunds of Court-Ordered Payments
This section mandates that no funds from the U.S. Treasury shall be used to refund any court-ordered payments, such as restitution, fines, or special assessments, that were paid by individuals convicted for their involvement in the January 6th Capitol attack. This prohibition applies even if the convicted individual is subsequently pardoned.
Section 3(b)
Directing Funds to Architect of the Capitol
This section directs the Secretary of the Treasury to transfer any amounts that would have been subject to refund under subsection (a) (i.e., court-ordered payments from convicted January 6th participants) to the Architect of the Capitol. This ensures that any funds collected from these individuals are directed towards the maintenance and operation of the Capitol complex, which was the site of the attack.