Key Facts
- Senator
- Susan Collins (R-Maine)
- Nominee
- Todd Blanche, Acting Attorney General
- Committee Vote
- 12-10 along party lines
- Opposition
- More than 1,200 former DOJ employees
- Deal
- Blanche confirmed no $1.8 billion fund
Background
Sen. Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, said on Tuesday that she does not intend to vote for President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Department of Justice, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Collins said she has 'carefully reviewed' Blanche's qualifications but believes the department has become increasingly political.
Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney, took over as acting attorney general following Pam Bondi's departure in April. His nomination has faced opposition from more than 1,200 former DOJ employees, according to Collins.
Current Situation
The Senate Judiciary Committee voted 12-10 along party lines on Tuesday to advance Blanche's nomination, clearing the way for a full Senate vote, potentially later this week. The vote followed a deal struck late Sunday between Blanche and Republican Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina, who had threatened to block his confirmation over the settlement of Trump's lawsuit against the IRS regarding the president's leaked tax returns.
Cornyn and Tillis backed Blanche after the Justice Department confirmed in writing that it was not moving forward with a $1.8 billion fund to compensate Trump allies who believe they were prosecuted for political reasons. Blanche issued an order Sunday evening confirming 'beyond any doubt, that there is no fund.'
Impacts
Collins's opposition could affect the outcome of the Senate vote. If all Democrats oppose Blanche, he can only afford to lose two Republican votes if Sen. Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who was hospitalized after a fall, does not return before then. At least two other Republican senators have not said how they will vote: Sen. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana.
The Maine Democratic Party criticized Collins, with spokesperson Misha Linnehan saying she 'waited until Todd Blanche's confirmation was all but assured to conveniently announce her opposition.' Sen. Angus King, I-Maine, has not issued a statement ahead of the vote.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
The full Senate could vote later this week on Blanche's nomination. If all Democrats oppose him, and McConnell is absent, Blanche could be confirmed if he loses no more than two Republican votes. If more than two Republicans defect, his confirmation could fail, though this remains uncertain.
Should Blanche be confirmed, he would formally lead the DOJ, but his actions, including the IRS audit shield and the anti-weaponization fund, may continue to face scrutiny. If he is not confirmed, the administration would need to nominate another candidate, potentially prolonging the vacancy.
Source: centralmaine.com
