Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) and Sen. Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina) said Monday they will support Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general.
The agreement removes a significant hurdle for Blanche's confirmation process in the U.S. Senate. The two senators had previously threatened to block the nomination over concerns regarding a proposed financial initiative.
Blanche rescinded a proposed $1.8 billion [1] fund that was intended for Trump supporters. The senators sought written confirmation that the fund would not be created before they offered their support [1], [2].
Cornyn and Tillis said the money could be used to pay violent Jan. 6 rioters [1], [2]. The deal reached on Aug. 3 [1] ensures the funds will not be allocated for that purpose.
Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche now has a clearer path toward official confirmation. The resolution of the dispute over the $1.8 billion [1] fund addresses the specific objections raised by the two GOP senators during the nomination process.
“Senators Cornyn and Tillis agreed to back Todd Blanche’s attorney-general nomination after he rescinded a proposed $1.8 billion fund.”
This agreement highlights a tension within the Republican party regarding the legal and financial treatment of January 6 participants. By demanding written guarantees against the use of public funds for rioters, Cornyn and Tillis are establishing a legislative boundary on the executive branch's ability to provide financial relief to those involved in the Capitol breach.
