Blanche’s attorney-general nomination stalls over Trump’s IRS lawsuit – US politics live

The path to confirmation for Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general has hit a significant roadblock, with a planned committee vote being scrapped last night. The delay stems from demands by key Republican senators, John Cornyn and Thom Tillis, who are seeking further assurances concerning the settlement of former President Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Cornyn and Tillis have specifically requested written guarantees that the 'Anti-Weaponization Fund' is no longer active and are pressing for clearer definitions regarding the scope of the tax immunity deal. Cornyn, who recently lost his primary election in Texas, expressed frustration, accusing the Justice Department of "stonewalling" and stating that "the ball is in Blanche’s court." He conveyed his bewilderment at the administration's reluctance to provide the requested clarity.

“

We’re been trying to help them get to a conclusion here and they won’t let us. It’s befuddling to me.

A spokesperson for the committee confirmed the situation, stating that Chairman Chuck Grassley aims to support presidential nominees. "Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis want written assurances from the Department of Justice regarding the Trump-IRS settlement," the spokesperson said. The committee announced that "Tomorrow’s markup is postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support in committee to favorably report Attorney General-nominee Todd Blanche, who is highly qualified for the job."

In other US political developments, former President Barack Obama endorsed Iowa Democrat Josh Turek's Senate campaign. The Senate unanimously passed a resolution opposing any presidential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell. Meanwhile, Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her marriage to Brian Glenn. Lawyers for former FBI director James Comey have alleged illegal surveillance by Secret Service agents.

“

Tomorrow’s markup is postponed as work continues to secure sufficient support in committee to favorably report Attorney General-nominee Todd Blanche, who is highly qualified for the job.