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Two Senate Republicans stall Todd Blanche's AG nomination vote
Cornyn and Tillis want written assurances on a Trump-IRS settlement before advancing Blanche, who needs every GOP committee vote to reach the floor.
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The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general Wednesday after two Republicans withheld support, a setback for the Trump administration that now depends on securing a party-line majority.
Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina asked for more written assurances about a settlement between President Trump and the IRS. The deal dropped tax claims against the president and included plans for a $1.776 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund" to compensate people who say the Justice Department wronged them.
Cornyn and Tillis want the administration to confirm in writing that the fund is dead. Cornyn also pressed for language making clear the tax immunity covers only existing audits, not future filings.
A committee spokesperson said Wednesday the vote would be postponed "as work continues to secure sufficient support."