Todd Blanche Faces Senate Test Over $1.8 Billion Fund as GOP Support Wavers
Updated
Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 14
Todd Blanche Faces Senate Test Over $1.8 Billion Fund as GOP Support Wavers
3 articles · Updated · The Washington Post · Jul 14
Summary
Wednesday’s Senate Judiciary hearing will test whether acting Attorney General Todd Blanche can secure a full term after a federal judge blasted his role in a now-abandoned $1.8 billion taxpayer compensation fund.
Monday’s ruling accused Justice Department lawyers, including Blanche, of trying to earmark billions for grievances “not defined in the law,” sharpening Republican concerns that some money could have reached Jan. 6 defendants.
John Cornyn and Thom Tillis have not committed to backing Blanche, and a single Republican vote on the committee could block his nomination; Lindsey Graham’s weekend death has added uncertainty over the panel’s lineup.
Democrats are united against Blanche, portraying Trump’s former defense lawyer as a loyalist who has advanced probes of the president’s rivals while defending White House influence over law enforcement.
Republicans hold a 53-47 Senate majority, and leaders still hope to bring Blanche to a floor vote before the August recess if he survives committee later this month.