US Senator Collins Opposes Trump's Attorney General Pick
Todd Blanche cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday. He is Trump's nominee for Attorney General.
The committee vote was 12-10. This moves Blanche toward a full Senate vote.
All committee Democrats opposed Blanche. All Republicans supported him.
Republican senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis had been delaying the nomination. They dropped their objections after Blanche agreed to cancel a Justice Department fund.
The fund was worth $1.8 billion and aimed to fight political bias. It had been the main sticking point in the nomination.
Senator Susan Collins announced she will oppose Blanche on the Senate floor. Blanche needs at least 50 votes to be confirmed. Republican leaders hope to hold the vote before the Senate's August break.
Klear Note — The Attorney General leads the Justice Department and enforces federal laws. Senate confirmation requires at least 50 votes from 100 senators.
Key Terms 3
- Senate Judiciary Committee Group of senators who review nominees before a full Senate vote
- Attorney General Top US law enforcement official who leads the Justice Department
- anti-weaponization fund Justice Department money meant to stop political misuse of law enforcement