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Alaska’s Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski announced Friday she will not support Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general, significantly narrowing the path to his confirmation. Murkowski expressed concerns that the Trump administration could reverse course and establish a fund to compensate January 6 Capitol rioters, despite Blanche’s written commitment that the initiative is permanently discontinued. With Murkowski’s opposition, only one undecided Republican vote remains—Louisiana Senator Bill Cassidy—to determine whether Blanche advances to lead the Department of Justice.
Murkowski’s decision comes despite Blanche’s assurances to the Senate Judiciary Committee this week that he would not pursue the controversial $1.8 billion fund. The nominee previously issued a formal order terminating the initiative after negotiations with other Republican senators. However, Murkowski maintains that senators currently hold leverage only because Blanche’s confirmation remains pending, and she expressed doubt the attorney general would adequately check executive overreach if confirmed.
Maine Senator Susan Collins previously announced her opposition to Blanche’s nomination citing concerns about departmental independence. With Republicans holding a 53-47 Senate majority, the chamber is racing to resolve the nomination before beginning a five-week August recess this weekend. Trump indicated Thursday he may attempt to persuade remaining holdouts, though he suggested Republican senators who previously voted to impeach him over January 6 events should expect limited support from his administration.
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Originally reported by Theguardian →
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