Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General

The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general by a 50-49 vote, with two Republicans—Sens. Collins (R-ME) and Murkowski (R-AK) —joining Democrats in opposing his nomination.  Collins and Murkowski cited concerns about the political independence of the Justice Department. Collins argued that Blanche’s tenure as deputy attorney general had “further eroded the department’s independence,” while Murkowski said the “politicization” and “weaponization” of the Justice Department had “accelerated” under his leadership. Sen. Cassidy (R-LA), who had been viewed as undecided in the lead-up to the vote, ultimately supported Blanche’s confirmation. The vote underscores continued Republican divisions over the Justice Department and concerns within the Senate about maintaining the department’s independence from political influence.