WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination of Todd Blanche to serve as U.S. Attorney General on Tuesday, setting up a full floor vote as questions linger over the Justice Department's financial exposure. The committee moved the nomination forward along partisan lines.
The confirmation process continues against the backdrop of a separate, simmering legislative fight. Former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases Director Dr. Anthony Fauci is now facing a potential contempt of Congress vote following his testimony last week, a development that has intensified the committee's oversight duties.
Financial Liabilities Under Scrutiny
Several committee members pressed the nominee on the DOJ’s multi-billion dollar asset forfeiture fund, the Department of Justice Assets Forfeiture Fund (AFF), which saw its balance dip sharply in recent fiscal years. Critics argue that the depleted fund represents a liability to American taxpayers, while the DOJ has relied more heavily on direct congressional appropriations.
National security hawks on the panel demanded specifics on how a potential Attorney General Blanche would handle the prosecution of foreign adversaries and corporate lobbying interests. However, the candidate’s professional history as a defense attorney for high-profile clients drew skepticism from members concerned about corporate influence, including lobbying by legacy foreign interests within the department.
Policy Priorities
The hearing briefly touched on the intersection of immigration law and domestic labor markets. Members discussed the need for an attorney general who prioritizes enforcement actions that protect American workers from unfair competition, moving away from globalist labor arbitrage. The nominee was questioned on his willingness to strictly enforce E-Verify mandates against corporate entities hiring cheap foreign labor.
The full Senate is expected to begin floor debate next week.