Judiciary Committee

Republican Sen. John Kennedy expressed doubt about the Senate confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the full-time role. Kennedy, a member of the Judiciary Committee, noted GOP Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis are discussing a resolution with the Justice Department.

Sen. John Kennedy warns President Trump against delaying Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination to 2027, citing the risk of a Senate majority shift in November. Kennedy, part of the Senate Judiciary Committee, suggests this delay could backfire if the Senate flips.

President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw Todd Blanche’s nomination as Attorney General until Senators Thom Tillis and John Cornyn leave office, citing their refusal to endorse him and opposition to the nomination. The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Blanche’s nomination, with concerns over a potential shift in Senate control and Democratic gains in the upcoming midterms.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune faces a challenging political landscape as the Republican conference shifts toward Trump-aligned members, potentially diminishing his influence. Key moderate senators may leave, while hardline conservatives gain committee leadership roles, complicating legislative efforts and party unity.

Sen. John Cornyn will not support Todd Blanche’s confirmation as attorney general without changes to a Trump-era IRS settlement. Cornyn demands the removal of a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and restrictions on tax audit immunity for Trump and his family. A Judiciary Committee vote on Blanche’s nomination is scheduled for Thursday.

Hardline conservatives are gaining influence in the Senate by securing leadership roles on key committees. Ron Johnson chairs the Budget Committee and Homeland Security subcommittee on investigations, while Mike Lee is next in line for the Judiciary Committee. Rand Paul leads the Homeland Security Committee, and Rick Scott chairs the Aging Committee and GOP steering committee.

Senate Republicans are recommending Darline Graham to assume committee assignments previously held by her brother, with the Senate expected to formalize the changes. Leadership roles on Budget and Appropriations subcommittees will also be filled, with Ron Johnson and Susan Collins expected to take interim positions.

The FBI documents related to fake IDs from China were released by Senator Charles E. Grassley, a Republican from Iowa and the Judiciary Committee chairman.

A memo and other FBI documents related to fake IDs from China were released last year by Senator Charles E. Grassley, a Republican from Iowa and the Judiciary Committee chairman.

Blanche is set to face scrutiny over Department of Justice controversies as he seeks confirmation as Attorney General. He will likely require support from all Judiciary Committee Republicans to secure his position.

House Republicans ended a weekslong internal standoff and secured a procedural vote to advance major bills, including fiscal 2027 funding and the SAVE America Act. The 215-211 vote allowed the House to move forward with multiple measures, with only one GOP member opposing. The elections bill will be attached to the State Department funding bill before it goes to the Senate, though its fate there remains uncertain.

The Senate is considering who will fill Sen. Lindsey Graham's committee seats on key panels including Judiciary, Appropriations, Environment and Public Works, and the Budget Committee. GOP leaders, including Chairman Chuck Grassley and Sen. Mike Crapo, are discussing the replacements, with Sen. Ron Johnson noted as a potential candidate for the Budget Committee.

Lindsey Graham's death disrupts the U.S. Senate's legislative agenda, particularly affecting key committees he chaired or led, including Budget, Appropriations, and Judiciary. His absence complicates efforts to advance spending bills, confirm the acting Attorney General, and impose sanctions on Russia, with potential long-term impacts on defense, foreign affairs, and judicial policies.

Lindsey Graham's death disrupts the Senate's legislative agenda, particularly affecting committee work on spending, judicial confirmations, and Russia sanctions. His absence narrows the GOP majority to 52-47, complicating efforts to advance key priorities ahead of the midterms.

President Donald Trump is delaying federal nominations as Republican senators express concern over unfilled judicial and cabinet positions ahead of midterms. Trump's White House cites a focus on selecting 'the right people' for roles, but this approach has unsettled GOP lawmakers like Tommy Tuberville and Ted Cruz, who advocate for faster judicial appointments to solidify Trump's legacy.

Sen. John Kennedy is expected to influence the nomination for an open seat on the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Potential candidates include Louisiana Solicitor General J. Benjamin Aguiñaga, Anna St. John, and James Baehr. Kennedy, whose position on the Judiciary Committee allows him to block nominees, previously opposed unqualified judicial picks during Trump's first term.

Todd Blanche is seeking confirmation as attorney general, addressing concerns about the withdrawn Anti-Weaponization Fund and an IRS settlement provision indemnifying President Donald Trump. Republican senators, including those on the Judiciary Committee, have expressed support, with a confirmation hearing scheduled for July 15.

The New York City Bar Association evaluated candidates in contested judicial races in Queens and Brooklyn. In Queens, two of four candidates for two Civil Court bench spots received approval, while in Brooklyn, both candidates for one seat were approved and neither for another.

Susan Collins cast her 10,000th consecutive Senate vote, supporting a motion to return the $70 billion budget reconciliation package to the Judiciary Committee. She announced her vote with a red dress and blue blazer.

Sen. Susan Collins cast her 10,000th consecutive Senate vote, supporting a motion to return a $70 billion budget reconciliation package to the Judiciary Committee. She announced her 'aye' vote while wearing a red dress and blue blazer with brass buttons.

Senator Susan Collins, a Republican from Maine, voted for a Democratic amendment to send a $70 billion budget reconciliation package to the Judiciary Committee to investigate insurance companies denying medical care to patients. She broke with Senate Republican leaders on this issue.

Republicans are attempting to advance a $72 billion immigration enforcement funding bill through the Senate, but the effort is being complicated by disputes over White House security funding for the East Wing and ballroom. Senators Rand Paul and Bill Cassidy are withholding support over concerns about Secret Service funding and budget rule compliance. The bill requires only three Republican defections to fail, making passage uncertain.

Senate Republicans initiated a budget reconciliation process to fund ICE and Border Patrol for three-and-a-half years, bypassing Democratic input after failed negotiations. The plan allocates up to $140 billion but aims for $70–$80 billion, with funding directed to the Senate Judiciary and Homeland Security committees. Democrats criticize the move as prioritizing immigration enforcement over affordability issues like healthcare and housing.

Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs avoided confirming whether she believes Sen. Ruben Gallego's claims of unawareness about sexual misconduct allegations against his friend Eric Swalwell. Swalwell faced multiple accusations leading to his resignation, while Gallego initially defended him but later distanced himself.

Sen. Ruben Gallego, a former close friend of Rep. Eric Swalwell, admitted their friendship clouded his judgment as sexual assault allegations against Swalwell emerged. Gallego regretted defending Swalwell despite prior support, citing manipulated information and rumors that led to his public apology to victims.

Sen. Ruben Gallego, a former close friend of Rep. Eric Swalwell, admitted his friendship clouded his judgment regarding long-standing rumors about Swalwell. Gallego now apologizes for defending Swalwell after allegations of sexual misconduct emerged, including a report by the San Francisco Chronicle.