💛 A quick favor, if you've got a second.
We're really happy that you chose to read one of our stories and sincerely hope you'll stick around to read more. We took our paywall down — for now — but that won't last forever, and when the gate goes back up, we'd love for you to already be on the inside.
It's free. So please enter your email here and don't forget to like and follow us on all of your favorite Social Media platforms!
Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski said Friday she will vote against Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, complicating the path to confirmation for President Donald Trump’s choice to head the Justice Department. Murkowski expressed worry that the Trump administration might move forward with a plan to establish a compensation fund for individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riot, notwithstanding Blanche’s public assurances that he would not pursue such an effort.
Murkowski contended that the Senate’s ability to influence decisions regarding the fund exists only because Blanche’s nomination remains unresolved. Once confirmed, she argued, that leverage would disappear entirely. The senator emphasized the importance of maintaining congressional power over the proposal during the confirmation process.
Blanche advanced through the Senate Judiciary Committee with a 12-10 vote after assuring wavering Republicans he would not pursue the payout initiative. With Republicans controlling 53 of 47 Senate seats and Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky absent from proceedings, Blanche can lose only two Republican votes assuming unified Democratic opposition. Senator Susan Collins of Maine has already announced her opposition, while Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana has not disclosed his position.
The Judiciary Committee vote came after a late Sunday agreement between Blanche and Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had threatened to block confirmation over a Trump lawsuit settlement against the Internal Revenue Service regarding the president’s tax records. The Justice Department confirmed the $1.8 billion compensation fund for Trump associates who claim unjust investigation or prosecution would not move forward.
Blanche issued a written statement Sunday evening declaring the fund nonexistent “beyond any doubt.” Democrats argue his directive provides insufficient protection and have pushed for permanent legislation barring the fund’s revival after Blanche takes office.
More Stories
Democratic Michigan Senate Candidate Faces Backlash Over Resurfaced Video Expressing Disdain for Mackinac Island
Unexpected Senate Battlegrounds Emerge as Control of Congress Hangs in Balance
Three Immigrants Who Fled Socialist Regimes Sound Alarm on Authoritarian Governance