Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination to lead the Department of Justice is in political limbo as a contingent of Senate Republicans has vowed to withhold their votes until a nearly $1.8 billion fund, established as a result of former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the IRS, is permanently dissolved.

Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina have voiced opposition to Blanche's nomination in the Judiciary Committee, stating they require written confirmation that the so-called "weaponization" fund will not be re-established. Blanche had previously testified that the fund was "dead."

"I thought we were pretty close to landing the plane last night. But this morning there’s been some more complications," Cornyn told reporters Thursday. "Apparently he’s getting some pushback from higher-ups at the White House. I don’t know who, but this doesn’t need to be this hard."

Cornyn added, "I don’t know whether they think they can wait us out or we’ll cave, but I assure you, we won’t."

The $1.776 billion anti-weaponization fund was initially announced in May as a form of compensation for individuals who alleged political prosecution, particularly under the Biden administration. Some proponents, including Vice President JD Vance, suggested even Hunter Biden could be eligible for a payout.

Following criticism from Republicans in Congress, Blanche addressed the Senate Judiciary Committee on July 15, stating under oath, "It is a moot issue, meaning there is no weaponization fund. The weaponization fund is dead."

Cornyn expressed concern that without a written commitment, the fund's status could be subject to change. "It’s not like this is something new and different. And it causes me concern. If they don’t want to put it in writing, this is not something that is going to be enforceable in the long term," he said. "As you know, people can change their mind later on, whether it’s to reconstitute the weaponization fund or that what they claim the limits are of the release, that now they take a different position in a court."

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley indicated his intention to move forward with the nomination. "It’s my intention to get Blanche approved," Grassley told reporters after a planned Thursday vote on the nomination was postponed. "Exactly when that can happen, I don’t know, but we’re going to work hard to get the differences worked out."