As Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's confirmation vote appeared headed for defeat, Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced his support, offering a vital lifeline to the nominee and President Donald Trump.
Cassidy's decision to vote for Blanche came after he remained noncommittal for some time. "I will vote for Mr. Blanche," Cassidy stated on the Senate floor. "I'll be criticized for this vote. What's new? But, the people of Louisiana can be assured that I worked hard to understand the issue and to make the right decision."
Cassidy's support is significant as Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, declared she would not support Blanche's nomination, dealing a blow to his confirmation process. Murkowski's opposition means Senate Republican leadership cannot afford to lose any additional votes. The confirmation vote's timing remains uncertain, with speculation it could occur before the Senate recesses for August.
Murkowski cited concerns about the potential politicization and weaponization of the Department of Justice under Blanche. She specifically mentioned the handling of the Epstein files, immunity protections granted to the President and his businesses, statements made to anti-abortion groups, and the targeting of individuals, including former administration staff and sitting senators.
"I am also keenly aware that the Department’s nearly $2-billion dollar slush fund—which likely would have rewarded January 6 protesters—is only off the table because this nomination is pending and the Senate has leverage," Murkowski said. "Once we vote, that will end, and there is no telling what the future holds."
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have acknowledged that while Blanche and the DOJ agreed to permanently rescind the fund in writing to Sens. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., and John Cornyn, R-Texas, there is nothing preventing Trump from reviving it. Trump himself has expressed a desire for the fund to return.
"The country needs an Attorney General who will check the worst impulses of this administration," Murkowski stated. "I hope Mr. Blanche is able to achieve that, if confirmed, but I simply do not have confidence that will be the case."
Prior to Murkowski's announcement, Trump criticized her during an interview, stating, "I’m against Murkowski. I do more for Alaska than any president in history. No president’s done for Alaska what I’ve done. She’s not good."