Cassidy Support Gives US Republicans Enough Votes For Blanche
Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy said he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general. Blanche is President Trump's former personal lawyer.
Cassidy's support reportedly gives Republicans enough votes to confirm him. Blanche's nomination already passed a Senate committee.
He still needs at least 50 votes on the Senate floor. Maine Senator Susan Collins had said she would vote against Blanche.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski also said she plans to vote no. Other senators had not said how they would vote.
Reports said Blanche could not afford another Republican to vote no. This made Cassidy the key remaining vote needed.
During a Senate speech Cassidy raised concerns. He worried about ties between the Trump administration and the Justice Department.
He also raised concerns about a proposed fund meant to prevent misuse of government power. Despite these concerns he said he would support Blanche.
Cassidy will not return to Congress next term. He lost his Louisiana primary to a candidate backed by Trump. He said his vote gives Republicans the support they need.
Key Terms 4
- attorney general The top legal officer who leads the US Justice Department.
- Senate Judiciary Committee A group of senators who review legal and judicial nominations first.
- anti-weaponization fund A proposed fund meant to stop misuse of government power against citizens.
- primary An election within a party to choose its candidate.