Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, opened an executive business meeting on July 23 to address organizational matters and discuss pending nominations. The committee confirmed that Senator Graham would officially fill the late Senator Graham’s position on subcommittees, with the measure expected to be adopted by voice vote.
The agenda included votes on four nominations: Daniel Domenico for Circuit Judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, Matthew Byrne for judge on the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and Christopher Nassar for U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma. The nomination of Todd Blanche was listed but will be held over for future consideration.
Grassley acknowledged Senator Graham as the committee’s newest member and paid tribute to her late brother, stating, “The late Senator Graham was a true patriot and defender of this nation. All of us were deeply saddened by his passing.” He continued, “We’re honored to have you here, and we’re confident that you’ll continue to make him proud serving in his place on this committee.”
Discussing Acting Attorney General Blanche’s recent testimony regarding his nomination as permanent attorney general, Grassley said Blanche demonstrated a commitment to transparency and rule of law during over five hours before the committee. He credited Blanche with leadership achievements including a historic low national murder rate, increased arrests related to violent crime, terrorism disruptions, firearm seizures, child predator apprehensions, human trafficking arrests, recovery of missing children lost during previous years, federal program fraud prevention efforts, and ending racial discrimination within government agencies.
Addressing criticisms against Blanche raised in a separate forum organized by Democratic members—which Grassley described as a “shadow forum”—he said such attacks reflect partisan opposition: “So if the people who engaged in the worst partisan lawfare this country has ever seen have a problem with Todd Blanche, the American people should take notice.” Grassley also responded directly to allegations concerning meetings with Epstein victims by quoting Blanche: “Everyone at the Department… remains committed to engaging with victims of Jeffrey Epstein.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee serves as a standing committee overseeing judicial nominations and legal matters affecting constitutional protections nationwide; it is led by a chairperson who presides over senators from both major parties in Washington, D.C., according to its official website.