Witnesses at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing praised Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s qualifications and urged his confirmation as U.S. Attorney General on July 16. Angel Mother Jennifer Bos, former Attorney General John Ashcroft, and Jon Adler, President of the Federal Enforcement Officers Association Foundation, each said Blanche is committed to crime victims, the rule of law, and supporting law enforcement.
Bos spoke about her daughter Megan’s death, which she attributed to failures in immigration enforcement and drug trafficking policies. She said, “I couldn’t save my daughter, but Todd Blanche as Attorney General, could save yours.” Bos also stated that under Blanche’s direction the Department of Justice has engaged directly with families affected by violent crime: “From the time that I’ve spent talking with Todd Blanche, I knew immediately that he makes victims a priority. Under his direction, the DOJ has engaged directly with the Angel families and treated us not like political props, but as partners in preventing future tragedies.”
Ashcroft described Blanche as having a high commitment to integrity: “I know of no person, no person of a higher commitment to integrity.” He continued by saying that Blanche is “adept at synthesizing and harmonizing different voices in complex situations” and added: “To safeguard this core cultural value, America needs an Attorney General exclusively devoted to the rule of law… Todd Blanche is the right person for that responsibility.”
Adler highlighted what he called extraordinary outreach by Blanche toward law enforcement organizations nationwide. He said: “[Blanche’s] outreach and engagement with law enforcement nationwide has been extraordinary… He has earned the respect and admiration of officers nationwide.” Adler also referenced concerns about public safety: “As the father of a beautiful teenage daughter… I sleep well knowing that my daughter’s safety, and all Americans’, are an unwavering priority for Acting Attorney General Blanche and his team.”
The Senate Judiciary Committee serves as a standing committee of the U.S. Senate with authority over judicial matters including oversight duties affecting constitutional protections and public safety across the nation; it aims to uphold constitutional principles through legislative review while being led by a chair who oversees meetings involving senators from both major parties, according to its official website.
The hearing concluded with witnesses urging prompt advancement of Blanche’s nomination.