The Senate Judiciary Committee voted along party lines on Tuesday to advance Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, clearing a key hurdle after the nomination had been stalled for weeks.
The vote followed a last-minute deal struck late Sunday between Blanche and Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina. The senators had demanded written assurances regarding the settlement of Donald Trump's lawsuit against the Internal Revenue Service over leaks of his tax information.
To assuage these concerns and secure their support, an agreement was reached to alter the settlement. Blanche confirmed that the Justice Department would abandon a controversial compensation fund, specifically rescinding the anti-weaponization fund.
While the nomination has now moved forward from the committee, Blanche still needs to receive 50 votes on the Senate floor to be confirmed.