MS NOW- Sen. John Kennedy, R-La. expressed skepticism about a deal between President Donald Trump and hesitant GOP holdouts, stating he “wouldn’t bet my house on it.”
- Republican holdouts will not support Blanche unless the Trump administration proves it has formally killed the $1.8 billion payout fund for those claiming political persecution.
- The committee vote to advance Blanche’s nomination to the Senate floor was postponed from Thursday to Tuesday amid ongoing uncertainty.
- Cornyn described his meeting with Blanche as “constructive,” but noted they are “not there yet.”
- Trump suggested waiting until Cornyn and Tillis leave office in January due to uncertainty surrounding Blanche's nomination.
- Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine expressed reservations about the fund and Trump’s immunity from IRS audits.
- Kennedy did not rule out supporting a proposal to make the fund “the law of the land,” but stated he would exclude Jan. 6 rioters from receiving compensation.
Sen. John Kennedy, a key Republican on the Senate Judiciary Committee, voiced skepticism regarding Todd Blanche's confirmation, stating he "wouldn't bet my house on it" due to ongoing negotiations over a controversial $1.8 billion compensation fund for alleged victims of political persecution.391011
Republican senators are demanding proof that the Trump administration has formally abandoned the fund, which was briefly announced by the DOJ in May before being dropped. Kennedy noted that GOP holdouts are also concerned about the scope of an agreement between Trump and the IRS, which would prevent investigations into the president and his businesses.
Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, echoed these concerns, expressing reservations about the fund and Trump's immunity from IRS audits. Kennedy indicated he might support legislation to make the fund "the law of the land," but emphasized the need to review it first. He also stated that individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots should not be eligible for compensation, saying, "I’d take them off the table."8
The uncertainty surrounding Blanche's nomination has led to delays, with the committee vote originally scheduled for Thursday now postponed until Tuesday, raising questions about whether the panel will convene amid ongoing negotiations.45
"I wouldn’t bet my house on it," Kennedy remarked, highlighting the precarious nature of Blanche's confirmation amidst GOP hesitance and the looming midterm elections.
"The committee vote to advance Blanche’s nomination to the Senate floor was originally set for Thursday, but has been postponed until Tuesday," indicating the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the nomination process.
“Holdouts want proof the $1.8 billion payout fund has been formally killed and a narrowed DOJ-brokered IRS deal not to investigate Trump. Cornyn said Friday his Blanche meeting was 'constructive' but 'not there yet,' and the panel vote was pushed to Tuesday.”
