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Blanche Clears Key Senate Hurdle by Scrapping $1.8 Billion DOJ Fund

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moved a step closer to Senate confirmation Sunday after the Department of Justice rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and narrowed tax protections…

Andrew PowellAug 3, 20262 min read

Department of Justice Donald Trump Politics Todd Blanche U.S. News

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moved a step closer to Senate confirmation Sunday after the Department of Justice rescinded a controversial $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund" and narrowed tax protections included in a previous IRS settlement.

According to Fox News, the changes came after concerns raised by Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, whose objections had stalled Blanche's nomination.

A spokeswoman for Cornyn confirmed that an agreement had been reached following discussions between lawmakers and Blanche's team.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is now expected to vote on Blanche's nomination Tuesday.

In a statement released Sunday, Blanche said he and his staff had spent recent weeks meeting with committee members and senators to address outstanding questions surrounding the nomination.

"My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions," Blanche said.

"We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order and update with regard to the May IRS settlement. The Department always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress," he added.

As part of the agreement, Blanche formally rescinded a May 18 directive that established the $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization fund," a provision that had drawn criticism from some lawmakers.

The Department of Justice also clarified that tax-related protections included in the earlier IRS settlement would apply only retroactively and would not extend to future tax filings.

The revisions appear to have resolved the issues that prompted Cornyn and Tillis to delay the confirmation process, allowing Blanche's nomination to move forward.

Blanche has served as acting attorney general while awaiting Senate confirmation.

Tuesday's Judiciary Committee vote represents the next step before the full Senate can consider his nomination.

The confirmation process has drawn close attention as President Donald Trump continues to assemble his administration's leadership team.

The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to take up Blanche's nomination on Tuesday following the agreement announced over the weekend.

The situation remains developing, and additional details could emerge as lawmakers prepare for the committee vote.

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