Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez introduced the No Payola Act on Nov. 18, 2025, to block $500,000 payouts to eight senators whose lawful phone records were subpoenaed in the Jan. 6 and 2020 election probes.

Rep. Teresa Leger Fernandez (D-NM) introduced the No Payola Act on November 18, 2025, joined by 37 co-sponsors, to repeal a provision in a government funding bill that would allow eight U.S. Senators to claim $500,000 each for having their phone records lawfully subpoenaed during Special Counsel Jack Smith’s investigation into the 2020 election and January 6th events. The provision, retroactive to January 1, 2022, applies only to records obtained under valid grand jury subpoenas and judicial orders, consistent with DOJ policy. The legislation aims to block payouts and require repayment if funds are received, with New Mexico’s congressional delegation calling it a corrupt, self-serving use of taxpayer money that undermines public trust. The bill faces opposition from all Republican members of the Rules Committee but has broad support across party lines, including backing from House Speaker Mike Johnson.