Two Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, have agreed to support acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination after the Justice Department formally rescinded a proposed $1.8 billion fund. The fund, known as the "Anti-Weaponization Fund," was intended to compensate allies of former President Donald Trump who believed they were unfairly prosecuted. This endorsement clears the way for Blanche's nomination to advance through the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, according to fortune.com.
The impasse over Blanche's confirmation had centered on the existence of the fund, which Cornyn and Tillis opposed. After days of negotiations, Blanche issued a written order late Sunday officially killing the fund. The senators expressed gratitude to Blanche and his staff for their cooperation and indicated they would vote to advance his nomination. The Justice Department emphasized in its order that the fund was definitively terminated, ending speculation about its future.
The proposed $1.8 billion fund had sparked controversy as it was seen as a mechanism to compensate individuals aligned with Trump who claimed unfair treatment by the Justice Department. The withdrawal of the fund reflects a shift in DOJ policy under Blanche's leadership and removes a significant obstacle to his permanent appointment. The resolution also signals a rare bipartisan agreement in a polarized Senate environment, with two outgoing Republican senators playing a pivotal role.
Blanche's nomination is scheduled for a vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday, following the senators' endorsement and the formal rescinding of the fund. Cornyn and Tillis are set to leave Capitol Hill when their terms end in January, making their support crucial in the final weeks of their tenure.