Two key Republican senators who had threatened to block Todd Blanche’s nomination for Attorney General say they will now vote to advance his confirmation, ending a weeks-long standoff with the Justice Department.

Republican Senators John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina announced their support after Blanche issued a binding, written order late Sunday formally terminating the administration’s controversial $1.8 billion “anti-weaponization fund”.

Written Order Breaks Capitol Hill Impasse

Cornyn and Tillis had previously made written cancellation of the fund a firm condition of their votes, expressing concerns that the program—initially proposed to compensate targets of alleged political prosecutions—could be revived without formal termination.

While Blanche had repeatedly testified that the fund was inoperative, he had resisted calls for a formal written order until late Sunday night.

“The Attorney General’s May 18, 2026 Order establishing the Anti-Weaponization Fund is rescinded and shall have no force or effect,” the official order reads. The document explicitly confirms that no funds were transferred, no panel members were appointed, and no claims were paid.

Blanche also issued a companion clarification regarding a separate IRS civil settlement, specifying that tax audit protections granted in the deal apply strictly retroactively and will not shield future tax filings from government scrutiny.

Path Cleared for Committee Vote

With both GOP holdouts satisfied by the written assurances, the Senate Judiciary Committee has cleared the path to move forward.

The committee is scheduled to vote on Blanche’s nomination Tuesday morning, where his approval is now expected to pass smoothly before heading to the full Senate floor for a final confirmation vote.