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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

‘You Lose, You Pay’ Lawsuit Penalty Added To Bill

Associated Press

Prosecutors be warned: Some in Congress want you to pay the price for taking on one of their own.

A “you lose, you pay” penalty was added to a bill approved Tuesday by the House Appropriations Committee. The provision would let members of Congress and their staffs recoup legal fees if they prevail in court. The money would be deducted from the Justice Department’s budget.

The provision would apply to members and staffers prosecuted in connection with their official duties, said Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., who spearheaded the amendment.

The amendment was tucked into a bill providing money for the Commerce, Justice and State departments.