US Senate Delays Vote on Blanche Attorney General Pick
The Senate Judiciary Committee delayed a vote on Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. The delay follows a threat from President Trump.
Trump said he may wait until senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis leave office. Then he would nominate Blanche again.
Cornyn and Tillis have declined to support Blanche's nomination. Their opposition is about unresolved concerns over a Justice Department deal with the IRS.
Cornyn wanted written proof that a $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund tied to the deal was cancelled. This fund was linked to the IRS settlement.
Reports say Cornyn twice canceled meetings with Blanche. He did this because the Justice Department had not answered his questions.
Both Cornyn and Tillis are retiring from the Senate. The delay could push Blanche's confirmation into fall.
That is due to the August recess. This adds pressure ahead of the midterm elections.
Key Terms 5
- Senate Judiciary Committee Group of senators who review judges and top legal officials before confirmation.
- attorney general The top legal officer in the US government.
- IRS US agency that collects taxes.
- Anti-Weaponization Fund A fund meant to stop misuse of government power against citizens.
- midterm elections US elections held partway through a president's term.