Story perspectives

12-10 Vote Advances Blanche AG Nomination, Cuts $1.8B Fund

8/6/2026

Left

Todd Blanche Nomination

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. attorney general on August 4 2026, voting 12-10 along party lines.
Civil-rights groups warned the vote could further erode Justice Department independence and jeopardize reproductive health-care access, saying the DOJ had become Trump’s personal instrument.
Blanche rescinded the Justice Department order that created a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis voted to advance the nomination after rescission, saying fund was dead.

Right

Todd Blanche Advances

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. attorney general on Tuesday, August 4 2026, by a 12-10 party-line vote.
Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania announced he will not vote for Blanche’s confirmation.
Republican senators warned Blanche’s close ties to President Donald Trump could jeopardize DOJ independence.
Senators Bill Cassidy and Lisa Murkowski have not yet decided whether to support Blanche.

Center

Todd Blanche Advances

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. attorney general on Tuesday, August 4 2026, by a 12-10 party-line vote.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the Senate aims to hold a floor vote before the August recess beginning around August 10.
Blanche rescinded the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and capped the IRS settlement to past returns.
John Cornyn (TX) and Thom Tillis (NC) voted for Blanche after his assurance, while Susan Collins (ME) opposes.

Blindspot

Critics warned that advancing Blanche’s nomination could jeopardize access to reproductive health care, according to the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and other national groups.
Within this story's sources, this angle appears mainly in Left-leaning coverage and receives less attention in Center- and Right-leaning coverage.

History

Historical Context

After the Senate confirmed John Ashcroft as attorney general in January 2001 by a 58-42 vote, he helped steer the Justice Department through post-9/11 reforms such as the Patriot Act. The 12-10 confirmation of Todd Blanche, backed by Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, revives the same partisan battles over DOJ independence and funding that first surfaced during Ashcroft’s tenure.

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Todd Blanche Nomination

The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. attorney general on August 4 2026, voting 12-10 along party lines.
Civil-rights groups warned the vote could further erode Justice Department independence and jeopardize reproductive health-care access, saying the DOJ had become Trump’s personal instrument.
Blanche rescinded the Justice Department order that created a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund.
Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis voted to advance the nomination after rescission, saying fund was dead.

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