Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Thom Tillis (R-NC) said Monday they will vote to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination for U.S. Attorney General [1].
The move clears a significant hurdle for Blanche's confirmation, signaling a shift in GOP support following a series of negotiated concessions regarding federal funding and tax enforcement.
The senators reached an agreement on Aug. 3, 2026 [2], to move forward with the nomination after Blanche agreed to rescind a $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization” fund [3]. This fund was a central point of contention during the nomination process.
Beyond the rescission of the funds, the agreement included specific assurances regarding an IRS-related deal aimed at benefiting allies of President Trump [4]. While some reports focus on the financial package, others highlight these tax-related assurances as a primary driver for the senators' change in position [4].
The deal ensures that the $1.8 billion [3] previously allocated for the anti-weaponization package will no longer be pursued. This resolution allows Cornyn and Tillis to align with the administration's choice for the top justice official, while securing specific policy outcomes.
Blanche now moves closer to leading the Department of Justice as the Senate prepares to vote on his confirmation. The agreement between these key Republican figures reduces the likelihood of a prolonged stalemate over the appointment.
“Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis will vote to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination.”
The agreement demonstrates the leverage remaining within the U.S. Senate to shape the priorities of the Department of Justice before a nominee is confirmed. By tying their support to the rescission of the $1.8 billion fund and IRS assurances, Cornyn and Tillis have effectively negotiated the fiscal and operational boundaries of Blanche's potential tenure, ensuring that specific administration targets are met before he assumes office.
