Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche moved closer to Senate confirmation Sunday after issuing an order that rescinded a May 18 directive establishing a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and narrowed tax protections included in the IRS settlement, his office said.
Blanche’s order clarified that tax-related protections in the settlement apply only retroactively and do not extend to future filings, the document said.
“My team and I have met with committee members and Senators over the past several weeks and addressed any concerns or outstanding questions,” Blanche said in a statement Sunday. “We have enjoyed good faith discussions, and as a result issue the following order and update with regard to the May IRS settlement. The Department always welcomes and appreciates productive engagement with all members of Congress.”
A spokeswoman for Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, confirmed an agreement had been reached after Cornyn and Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., had held up Blanche’s nomination, the spokeswoman said. The Senate Judiciary Committee said it is scheduled to vote on the nomination Tuesday.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
