Senate Confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General

Why it matters locally: The confirmation of a new U.S. Attorney General will impact federal legal policy and enforcement across all states, including Texas, influencing matters from criminal justice to civil rights that affect its 30 million residents.

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WASHINGTON – The Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the new U.S. Attorney General early Saturday morning. Senators approved his nomination in a vote largely divided along party lines. The confirmation followed several weeks of consideration within the Senate. During this period, some senators from both major parties expressed reservations. These lawmakers raised questions regarding Blanche's capacity to lead the Justice Department independently of President Donald Trump's directives. His confirmation concludes a period of anticipation surrounding the leadership of the Justice Department. Blanche now assumes the role of the nation's chief law enforcement officer.