The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, setting the stage for a final confirmation vote before the full Senate. The vote follows Blanche's decision to formally rescind a controversial $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund, a move intended to address concerns that had threatened to stall his nomination.
Blanche, who currently serves as acting attorney general, rescinded the fund late Sunday. The fund was part of a settlement between the president and the Justice Department regarding a case involving the Internal Revenue Service. The fund's purpose was to potentially compensate allies of the president and January 6 rioters.
Two senators, John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, had requested written assurances that the fund would be terminated. Both senators, who are both leaving Congress at the end of the current term, voted to advance the nomination on Tuesday.
In a statement on X, Blanche noted that he was formalizing his previous testimony in writing by stating the fund would not move forward. He stated that no funds had been transferred, no members were appointed to direct the fund, and no claims had been paid in connection with the effort tied to the May deal with the Internal Revenue Service.
Additionally, the Justice Department issued an unsigned statement clarifying that audit protections granted in May to the president, his family, and his companies apply only retroactively.
Despite the committee advancement, Blanche faces an uncertain path to full confirmation. Senator Susan Collins of Maine stated she would not vote to confirm him, citing concerns that the Department of Justice has become increasingly political and that Blanche's actions have eroded the department's independence.
Other Republican senators have not yet committed their support. Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska stated she still needs to fully evaluate the nomination once it leaves the committee. Some legal experts have also suggested that the fund could potentially be reinstated in the future through a new order.
GOP leaders in the Senate expressed hope to hold a final confirmation vote for Blanche before the Senate departs for its August recess at the end of the week.
