Judiciary Chairman Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) confirmed the timeline Tuesday after meeting with Blanche, saying the committee was able to move forward after receiving the nominee’s paperwork late last week.“By the way, I think we can announce today that we’re having the hearing July 15, because we just got his papers last night,” Grassley told reporters. He added that, barring any unexpected opposition, Blanche could possibly advance before the Senate leaves for the August recess.
The committee is planning a two-day hearing process, according to sources familiar with the matter, with Blanche, the deputy attorney general and current acting attorney general, expected to testify on the first day, followed by an expert witness panel on July 16.
The scheduling comes after Blanche submitted the key nomination paperwork required to trigger the committee’s 28-day waiting period, clearing the way for Republicans to move ahead with the hearing next month.
Blanche has been serving in the role in an acting capacity since former Attorney General Pam Bondi resigned earlier this year. Trump formally nominated him to permanently lead the department earlier this month.
Blanche spent Tuesday meeting privately with senators across Capitol Hill, including several Republicans viewed as possible skeptics or swing votes on his nomination.
