US Attorney General nominee promises to abolish Capitol riot compensation fund

Todd Blanche, the nominee for acting U.S. Attorney General, has paved the way for his confirmation by promising to abolish a fund intended to compensate participants in the Capitol riot. This commitment has garnered the support of Republican Senators John Cornyn and Tom Tillis, who had previously opposed his nomination.

Cornyn and Tillis, members of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced their support in a joint statement, expressing anticipation for the committee's vote on Blanche's confirmation. The committee, composed of 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats, had been stalled on Blanche's nomination due to their opposition.

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We hope to be able to hold a vote on his nomination soon in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Blanche's pledge addresses the controversial "Justice for Victims of SPOOKY Act" fund, a $1.8 billion initiative proposed by the Trump administration. This fund was intended to compensate individuals who claimed to have been harmed by alleged government overreach and flawed judicial processes, including those involved in the January 6th Capitol riot.

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They are seeking a political solution to get the minister confirmed without giving up their right to enforce an illegal agreement.

However, concerns linger regarding the legal enforceability of Blanche's written promise. Matthew Platkin, an attorney involved in lawsuits against the fund, criticized the move as a political solution that does not relinquish the government's right to enforce the agreement. Similarly, Democratic Senator Adam Schiff warned that there would be no way to prevent Blanche from reviving the fund after his confirmation.

The confirmation vote is set for August 4th. Blanche's supporters hope this concession will secure his position, while critics remain wary of potential future actions that could contradict his current assurances.

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There is no way to stop him from reviving the slush fund next week (after his appointment).