Senate Committee Delays Vote on Attorney General Nominee
The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), has postponed the vote scheduled for Thursday on the nomination of acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. This decision came after two Republican senators decided not to support funding connected to President Trump’s IRS settlement until they received written commitments from the Justice Department, as announced by Grassley’s office on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for the Judiciary Committee indicated that the delay is part of ongoing efforts to secure the necessary votes for Blanche. They emphasized that this postponement aims to set him up for success rather than failure. Originally, the vote was set for 9 a.m. Thursday, but it had already been pushed back from the previous week.
Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas), who has enough votes to help Blanche through the committee, canceled a meeting with him on Wednesday and refrained from showing support. Cornyn mentioned to reporters that he was waiting for the Justice Department to follow through on certain requests.
He expressed frustration, noting that the department is not making the necessary adjustments. “They know what they need to do and they just won’t do it,” Cornyn commented.
The Texas Republican Party is pushing for the department to officially retract $1.776 billion in “anti-weaponization” funding and to limit an audit exemption clause that currently protects Trump, his family, and their companies from IRS scrutiny regarding older tax returns.
Cornyn mentioned that he communicated to Grassley that he needed clarification by 4 p.m. Wednesday concerning the vote’s status and made his position clear: “I’m not ready to vote ‘yes,’ let me put it that way.”
He stated that the department was informed about the specific language required and is awaiting a response. “Why don’t I call the Justice Department and tell them I have an hour and 50 minutes to get what I asked for?” he told reporters. “In fact, we sent them a red line of what they needed and it’s just up to them to decide.”
Cornyn argued that the necessary changes should be formalized in writing to avoid any legal issues later on. Blanche had testified earlier that the fund had essentially become non-existent, but senators are looking for more than just verbal assurances.
The committee consists of 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats, with all Democrats expected to oppose Blanche, which could complicate his nomination if even one Republican withdraws support.
Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) also raised similar concerns but appeared more positive. He remarked that while the details regarding the audit contract are still being discussed, the language concerning the fund is “mostly agreed to.” “I think we agree on the content of the letter and I believe they are working in good faith,” Tillis stated.
Grassley, Tillis, and Cornyn met Wednesday evening to continue discussions, pushing negotiations beyond an afternoon deadline. This confrontation follows Cornyn’s inquiries about the fund during Blanche’s confirmation hearing on July 15.
A Judiciary Committee spokesperson noted that Senators Cornyn and Tillis are seeking formal assurances from the Justice Department concerning Trump’s settlement with the IRS. The postponement of the vote is intended to secure adequate support for Todd Blanche’s nomination, reinforcing that he is highly qualified for the position.
Justice Department officials mentioned that they submitted a written proposal to Cornyn’s office after ongoing discussions with the committee and the senator’s staff.
