Transcript: Sen. Bill Cassidy on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," Aug. 9, 2026

Senator Bill Cassidy has confirmed his vote to confirm Todd Blanche as Attorney General, a decision he made despite expressing skepticism earlier in the process. Cassidy, a Republican from Louisiana, shared his thoughts on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on August 9, 2026, detailing the gravity of the decision.

Cassidy became emotional when discussing the confirmation vote, explaining that his voice cracked due to the profound privilege of representing his state and country. He described the decision-making process as intense and not black and white, acknowledging the honor of participating in such significant Senate proceedings. His wife, he noted, found his emotional response endearing, though he personally found it embarrassing.

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I'll be criticized for this vote. What's new? But the people of Louisiana can be assured that I worked hard to understand the issue and to make the right decision.

During the interview, Cassidy addressed specific concerns he had regarding the Trump-IRS protections. He noted that acting Attorney General Blanche had rescinded an order to create an anti-weaponization fund and narrowed the terms of these protections. The clarified protections now apply only to Donald Trump, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump, and the Trump Organization. Senator Durbin, the top Democrat on the Judiciary Committee, has questioned the enforceability of these new clarifications.

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My voice cracked because my wife thinks it's endearing. I think it's embarrassing. But sometimes you're aware of the incredible privilege of representing your state and your nation.