Cassidy backs Todd Blanche, putting AG confirmation within reach
What's new: Cassidy's support offsets GOP defections, while Blanche rescinded a disputed $1.8 billion justice fund to keep votes in line.
Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana said he will vote to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general, likely giving Blanche the narrow Senate support he needs to lead President Donald Trump's Justice Department. Blanche's nomination had been in doubt after Republican Sens. Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine opposed him. The fight centered on a settlement in Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service that created a proposed $1.8 billion fund for people claiming mistreatment by the criminal justice system and gave Trump and some family members tax-audit protections. To shore up support, Blanche rescinded the proposed fund in a written order and the Justice Department narrowed the tax agreement's scope.