GOP Senator Green Lights Blanche AG Confirmation

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., announced on the Senate floor Friday that he would vote “yes” to confirm acting Attorney General Todd Blanche as the next U.S. attorney general.

“Mr. Blanche is not perfect,” Cassidy said, but noted that his record in combating fraud at the Department of Justice has been a notable achievement. Blanche took over as acting attorney general after former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s departure.

“Even his critics say Mr. Blanche knows the law and is a hands-on administrator. He has instructed U.S. attorneys to focus on violent crime, human and drug trafficking, and fraud in programs like Medicare and Medicaid,” Cassidy said.

Cassidy added that to oppose Blanche out of disapproval of President Donald Trump “puts at risk fighting violent crime, human and drug trafficking and fraud.” That, he said, “does not serve the American people well.”

“Late last night, I spoke to two U.S. attorneys from Louisiana,” Cassidy said. One of them, Mr. David Purcell of Louisiana, told Cassidy that “when he needed resources, General Blanche provided them.” 

Earlier on Friday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, wrote on X that she had “numerous constructive meetings with Mr. Blanche” and he “has made several noteworthy decisions that will benefit our state and the nation” in his role as acting attorney general. However, she said she would still oppose his confirmation because of the “sweeping immunity protections granted to the President, his family, and their businesses.”

This story is developing and may be updated.