Scope: Federal
Branch: Legislative
Severity: Green
Date occurred: August 8, 2026
Phase: Aug 2026
On August 8, 2026, the Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General in a 50-49 vote. Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski were the only Republicans to vote against him, citing concerns including the Epstein files and the anti-weaponization fund. Bill Cassidy, whose earlier hesitation was tied to the fund's rescission, ultimately voted to confirm. All Democrats voted against.
Constitutional basis: Senate exercising its Article II Section 2 advice-and-consent power as designed, including two senators crossing party lines
Sources
- Washington Post
- NPR
- NBC News
- Roll Call
- OPB