US Attorney General Nominee Wins Key Republican Support

Republicans on the US Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche's nomination for US attorney general on Tuesday, clearing the way for a vote by the full Senate that could take place later this week.

Blanche, President Donald Trump's former personal attorney and the acting head of the Department of Justice, secured the support of Republican Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis after agreeing to formally rescind the Anti-Weaponization Fund and narrow a controversial tax settlement involving Trump. Under the revised terms, the protection applies only to past tax returns and does not extend to future audits.

Democrats said the concessions were insufficient, arguing that the fund could be revived after Blanche's confirmation and that the revised settlement still does not provide adequate oversight of Trump's tax affairs. Cornyn and Tillis said they were satisfied with the written assurances and expect the Department of Justice to abide by them.

(Reuters, bak)