The Senate Judiciary Committee voted to approve the nomination of Todd Blanche to the position of U.S. Attorney General. The vote passed with 12 votes in favor and 10 against, advancing the nomination to a final vote by the full Senate.
Blanche, who is the current acting U.S. Attorney General and previously served as personal attorney to President Donald Trump, has faced scrutiny from Democratic lawmakers. Critics have voiced concerns regarding the perceived independence of the Department of Justice (DOJ) should he take the role.
Senator Chris Coons, the senior Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, publicly opposed the nomination prior to the vote. Coons argued that American citizens require a Department of Justice that is both independent and transparent. “I do not believe Blanche can or wants to meet that standard,” Coons stated during the proceedings.
Senator Adam Schiff also joined the calls for greater oversight of the department. The committee’s action clears the way for the full Senate to consider the confirmation of Blanche as the next U.S. Attorney General.
Topics: #attorney #general #former
