Senator Chuck Grassley, chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced on Aug. 4 that the committee would vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination to serve as Attorney General of the United States. Grassley said he began the executive business meeting early to allow colleagues time for statements and emphasized the need to hold a vote before the August recess due to limited floor time.
Grassley acknowledged significant public interest in Blanche’s nomination and said, “I’ve encouraged my colleagues to remain present, but we’re also accommodating scheduling conflicts, including votes in other committees.” He thanked Senators Cornyn and Tillis for their work related to concerns about the Anti-Weaponization Fund and an IRS settlement, stating that these issues had been resolved with cooperation from Blanche and the White House.
Discussing Blanche’s tenure at the Justice Department, Grassley said, “The Justice Department has thrived under his leadership.” He cited successes in combating federal program fraud, ending racial discrimination, and restoring safety. At a previous hearing, Blanche stated his job was “securing safety for every American,” which Grassley referenced as evidence of his commitment. Grassley highlighted crime statistics from a recent Council on Criminal Justice report showing declines in homicide rates by 51%, carjacking by 73%, residential burglary by 56%, and motor vehicle theft by 51% over nine years. Comparing current crime rates with those from 2019, he noted decreases in sexual assault (13%), assault with a firearm (17%), robbery (41%), and drug offenses (15%).
Grassley referenced media coverage noting historic lows in homicides but questioned why some critics do not acknowledge these changes. He attributed improvements to policy shifts under both President Trump’s administration and Blanche’s leadership at the Justice Department. According to Grassley, “It’s obvious. Todd Blanche’s Justice Department has reprioritized the safety of Americans after the Biden administration opened the borders to violent criminals…”
He also read testimony from Jennifer Bos—an Angel Mom—who said: “From the time that I’ve spent talking with Todd Blanche, I knew immediately that he makes victims a priority… Under his direction, DOJ has engaged directly with Angel families… treated us not like political props but as partners…” Bos concluded she believed Blanche could deliver justice.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is responsible for reviewing legislation affecting constitutional protections and public safety nationwide; it oversees federal law enforcement agencies and evaluates judicial nominations; it is led by a chairperson who presides over meetings attended by senators from both major parties; its influence extends across civil rights issues through legislative oversight; it operates out of Washington D.C.; it serves as one of several standing committees within Congress, according to its official website.