Overview
- The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced Todd Blanche’s nomination after he provided written assurances rescinding the $1.7–$1.8 billion Anti‑Weaponization Fund and narrowing IRS audit protections, a move that cleared a committee vote on Tuesday.
- Blanche faces razor‑thin Senate math because Sen. Susan Collins has pledged to oppose him and Sen. Mitch McConnell is absent, leaving him able to lose only one more Republican vote on the floor.
- Key Republican holdouts Sen. Bill Cassidy and Sen. Lisa Murkowski have met with Blanche and remain undecided, citing concerns that he could favor political allies and enable so‑called “lawfare.”
- Federal courts have questioned the legality of the Trump‑Treasury/IRS settlement that created the fund, a judge has criticized the deal, and the Justice Department has filed an appeal, leaving the written rescissions legally uncertain.
- A leaked July 30 White House Faith Office call shows Blanche pledged pro‑life actions focused on mail‑order mifepristone, a disclosure that has sharpened opposition from some senators and added a policy dimension that could shape final votes and the department’s future priorities.