Senate panel delays vote on Blanche's nomination as key Republicans withhold support
The Senate Judiciary Committee has delayed the confirmation vote for attorney general nominee Todd Blanche due to Republican concerns over a legal settlement involving the IRS and President Trump. Senators are demanding further clarification regarding the scope of tax immunity and the status of a controversial compensation fund.
Why it matters
The confirmation of an attorney general is a critical check on executive power, and this delay highlights ongoing tensions between the legislative and executive branches.
WASHINGTON — Todd Blanche's nomination to become attorney general stalled Wednesday as lawmakers scrapped a planned committee vote after key Republicans demanded more assurances about the settlement of President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.
Law Takeaways from Todd Blanche's confirmation hearing for attorney general The Senate Judiciary Committee had been expected to vote Thursday on whether to advance Blanche's nomination to the full chamber. But resistance from two Republican senators on the committee who could block Blanche's nomination threw his confirmation into doubt.
A spokesperson for the committee said in a statement Wednesday night that the vote would be postponed "as work continues to secure sufficient support." The delay came after hours of negotiations between the Justice Department and Republican Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis over the controversial settlement that afforded Trump and members of his family protection from tax audits.
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