WASHINGTON — Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana spoke on Sunday about his choice to vote for Todd Blanche.Blanche is now the attorney general. Cassidy said his choice was not a simple black or white issue. He noted that many facts shaped his mind before the big vote.
“If you look for a black or white choice here, you will not find it,” Cassidy said. He made these comments on a news show on Sunday.
Cassidy gave a long speech on the Senate floor on Friday.He said then that he would vote for Blanche.His choice helped clear the path for the nominee.Senate leaders then confirmed Blanche early Saturday morning.
The vote was very close.Two Republicans, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted no.Mitch McConnell was also absent.If Cassidy had voted no, the nomination would have failed.That made his vote the key to the whole outcome.
Many lawmakers had concerns about a fund at the Justice Department.The fund was worth 1.8 billion dollars.It was meant to pay people who claimed federal wrongs. The money came from a deal to end a big suit over leaked tax forms.
Blanche testified in June that the fund was dead. Still, some leaders felt unsure. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis asked for more proof. Last week, those leaders met with the department. Blanche then ended the rule that made the fund.After that move, the two senators dropped their objection.
When asked about the fund on Sunday, Cassidy said the issue was a shade of gray. He stated that the plan to set up the fund is dead. He noted that Cornyn was fine with the outcome. Cornyn served as a state attorney general in the past.
“It took time for John to get there,” Cassidy said. “The fact that he did was key for me. I trust John on that topic”.
Cassidy also spoke about a legal deal that gave broad safety to family members. The deal shields them from tax audits. Cassidy called that deal wrong.
“No American should be targeted by the law,” Cassidy said. “But no American should be above the law. That almost made me vote no”.
Still, Cassidy saw strong reasons to support Blanche. He spoke with federal attorneys in his home state of Louisiana. Those chats helped him make up his mind.
“If you want a department that does its job well, you need steady leadership,” Cassidy said. “Todd Blanche brings many good traits to this role”.
Some people worry about how Blanche will handle future elections. Others ask if he will follow the law. Cassidy acknowledged those fears. But he said he feels good about the time ahead.
This was not the first time Cassidy cast a key vote. Over a year ago, he voted to advance Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for a top health role. Cassidy is a medical doctor and had deep doubts about vaccines. He has since argued with the health chief on several points.
Cassidy felt the weight of his vote on Friday. He said it is a honor to serve his state and country.
“As a young boy, I read about big choices in Senate history,” he said. “Now I am here doing that work. When I think about that honor, I get emotional”.
Lawmakers will watch Blanche closely as he starts his work. The new head faces big tasks right away. Citizens across the nation want clear rules and fair law.
Cassidy plans to hold the department to high standards. He wants fair rules for all people. His vote was a hard choice, but he believes it was the right path forward for the country.
