WASHINGTON — Republican Senator Bill Cassidy said on Friday he would vote to confirm Todd Blanche as U.S. attorney general, a decision that is likely to clear a major hurdle for President Donald Trump’s nominee after two other Republicans announced their opposition.
Cassidy, a Louisiana Republican, announced his support in a speech on the Senate floor after weighing concerns about Blanche’s record and his role in the Justice Department under Trump.
“All considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche,” Cassidy said, according to reports of his remarks.
Blanche, a former personal lawyer for Trump, has served as acting attorney general since April and was formally nominated by Trump in June. His nomination has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers over the independence of the Justice Department and several actions taken while he has led the department.
Cassidy had previously expressed concerns about a proposed $1.8 billion fund intended to compensate people who said they had been wrongly targeted by the government. Blanche subsequently agreed to end the program, according to congressional Republicans and reporting on negotiations over his nomination.
Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine have said they will oppose Blanche. Democrats are also expected to vote against the nomination, making Republican support critical given the party’s narrow Senate majority.
Cassidy’s decision leaves Blanche with a clearer path to confirmation, although the Senate has not yet voted on the nomination. The confirmation process remains ongoing as lawmakers prepare for a final vote.
