Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, on Tuesday announced that she would not support acting Attorney General Todd Blanche for confirmation to the post in a permanent capacity. But Collins pointed to his record while in the post to justify her opposition. While I believe Mr. Blanche is a capable lawyer, the Department of Justice has become increasingly political. Mr. Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the Department’s independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation". Republicans have 53 votes in the Senate, meaning Blanche can afford to lose the support of up to three Republicans, provided Vice President JD Vance casts a tie-breaking vote.