Blanche narrowly confirmed as US attorney general

CONTROVERSIES

1. Political targeting: Critics accused Todd Blanche of pursuing politically motivated cases against Trump opponents, raising concerns over Justice Dept’s independence.
2. Trump tax deal: Blanche faced scrutiny over a deal that critics said could give Trump, his sons and businesses tax immunity.
3. Epstein files: He was criticised over the alleged mishandling of Epstein files, including exposing victims’ identities.
4. Abortion: Blanche reportedly assured anti-abortion advoca­t­es the dept would seek permanent abortion curbs nationwide.

Washington: The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a 50-49 vote early on Saturday, cementing President Trump’s former personal attorney’s command of Justice Dept.

The Republican-led Senate confirmed Blanche after a contentious battle that raised concerns among some Republicans and Democrats over his close ties to Trump. Blanche had already been leading the department in an acting capacity after Trump fired Pam Bondi in April.

Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska joined Democrats in opposing Blanche. His nomination had faced Republican concerns over a controversial settlement of Trump’s lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service. Under pressure, Blanche promised the dept would abandon a proposed $1.8bn compensation fund for Trump’s allies and rein in provisions shielding Trump and his family from tax audits.

Republican Senator Bill Cassidy provided the decisive support for Blanche. 

The Senate also approved a short-term measure to fund federal agencies into early Dec and avoid a potentially chaotic govt shutdown.

Further, Republican Sena­tor Eric Schmitt has sought tougher recruitment rules for employers sponsoring foreign workers for PR, a move that could hit Indian techies using the H-1B pathway.