Republican Senators Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski met with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche on Capitol Hill on Wednesday as they consider whether to support his nomination. Senator Susan Collins has announced she will vote against Blanche's nomination when it reaches the Senate floor, which could happen by the end of the week. With Senator Mitch McConnell absent and Democrats expected to vote against him, Blanche's nomination could be jeopardized if either Cassidy or Murkowski votes 'no'.
Cassidy expressed concerns about the Department of Justice's handling of cases, suggesting that individuals have been prosecuted due to political motivations. He stated that he needs to be assured that Blanche will act as an independent attorney general rather than as an attorney for former President Trump. Murkowski has not yet made a decision regarding her support for Blanche, stating she will not comment on the nomination at this time.
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 along party lines to advance Blanche's nomination for a full Senate vote later this week. Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who previously opposed Blanche due to concerns about Trump's IRS immunity deal and the $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund', voted to advance his nomination after reaching an agreement with him. Cornyn stated that he expects the Department of Justice to adhere to its claims that the controversial fund is no longer active.