Senate Democrats, led by Chuck Schumer, fiercely criticized Republican committee members for advancing the nomination of Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to become the permanent U.S. Attorney General. Schumer blasted the committee's vote as a rubber stamp for corruption, citing Blanche's ties to President Donald Trump and a controversial $1.8 billion IRS settlement fund.

Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis initially looked like they’d hold out against the nomination.

A Senate committee is expected to vote to advance acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to lead the Justice Department.