The settlement announced in May was brokered by Blanche, who is currently overseeing the Justice Department as acting attorney general. Although Blanche told Cornyn at his confirmation hearing that the fund was “dead,” Cornyn wanted greater assurances on its scope. Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who shared Cornyn’s concerns about the fund, was also not a guaranteed vote for Blanche. The committee vote is not completely make-or-break for Blanche. Photo caption: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche testified at a congressional hearing on June 2, 2026.