Tillis: Epstein survivor meetings needed for AG nominee Blanche's approval

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina has set a condition for approving Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's nomination: Blanche must meet with survivors of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein's abuse. Tillis stated this requirement during Blanche's confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

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Mr. Blanche said very quickly yesterday that he would meet with the victims, the Epstein victims, today if it could be arranged.

Tillis indicated he has a "positive predisposition" toward Blanche but has not yet committed to a final vote. He stressed that the meeting with survivors is a critical step for him to "get to yes." Blanche had previously stated he would meet with the victims, and Tillis expects this commitment to be fulfilled within the next two weeks, before the committee's vote.

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I'm trying to get to yes, but this is a very important part of getting to yes. There should not be any reason why, based on what Mr. Blanche said yesterday, if he said that he would do it today, then he can certainly do it over the next two weeks.

The committee's vote on Blanche's nomination is anticipated in about two weeks. The Judiciary Committee has a narrow margin, with 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats. Tillis's support, along with that of Sen. John Cornyn of Texas, is crucial for advancing the nomination. Dani Bensky, one of the survivors whose name was mistakenly released in Epstein investigation documents, testified before the committee, detailing how she and other survivors had sought contact with Blanche and former Attorney General Pam Bondi without success.

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mistakes were made