Todd Blanche won approval from a key Senate committee in his bid to become attorney general, advancing his nomination toward a vote by the full Senate. The committee’s action does not itself confirm Blanche, but it clears an important step in the process.
The nomination has drawn continued attention as senators weigh Blanche’s qualifications and his relationship with President Trump. Coverage of the confirmation fight has indicated that some questions and political drama remain, even as the committee’s decision improves Blanche’s prospects.
The broader debate has also included concerns about the limits of congressional oversight of the president. One Republican senator was quoted in related coverage as saying there was little Congress could do to rein in Trump. Separate reporting noted that Trump’s immunity from a tax audit remains in place as Blanche’s path to confirmation advances.