"The politicization — even weaponization — of the Department did not start with this administration but has accelerated during it," Murkowski wrote. The nomination cleared the Senate Judiciary Committee on a party-line 12-10 vote after Blanche resolved a separate dispute with Sens. Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney, has served as acting attorney general since Trump removed Pam Bondi from the role in April. No Cabinet secretary nominee has failed a Senate confirmation vote since 1989, though several have been withdrawn before reaching the floor. Senate Republican leaders had planned to hold a confirmation vote before the chamber's summer recess begins, though the outstanding uncertainty over Cassidy's position could delay the process if he does not commit before senators leave Washington.