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Blanche nomination at risk of delay as senator seeks assurances on Trump settlement
WASHINGTON (AP) — A planned vote to move forward with Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general appeared in doubt Wednesday as a key Republican senator demanded more assurances from the Justice Department about the settlement of President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service.
GOP Sen. John Cornyn, a crucial swing vote, called off a scheduled Wednesday meeting with Blanche, who is already the acting attorney general. Cornyn told reporters that the Justice Department has not adequately addressed in writing his concerns about the settlement that afforded Trump and members of his family protection from tax audits.
The Senate Judiciary Committee has scheduled a vote for Thursday to advance Blanche's nomination to the full Senate, but could be delayed if Blanche doesn't win Cornyn's support. Another Republican on the committee, Thom Tillis of North Carolina, has backed Cornyn's position.