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Blanche on track for narrow Senate confirmation as attorney general

At the U.S. Capitol, it was a wild day of decision and indecision. The Senate passed the toughest sanctions bill on Russia yet and is also now on track to confirm Todd Blanche as attorney general. But a slew of other high-priority items are still tangled, largely due to a Republican divide. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports.

Blanche on track for narrow Senate confirmation as attorney general

At the U.S. Capitol, the Senate passed the toughest sanctions bill against Russia, and Todd Blanche is on track to be confirmed as the new attorney general. However, there are still several high-priority items pending due to a Republican divide. Congressional correspondent Lisa Desjardins reports on the latest developments.

Blanche's confirmation appears to be just a single senator away, as Republican Bill Cassidy from Louisiana argued in favor of the nomination. Cassidy, who lost his primary to President Trump a few months ago, praised Blanche's qualifications, stating that the choice was between Blanche and an ineffective acting attorney general.

The Senate is on the verge of confirming Blanche, with a narrow margin required. However, other significant issues remain unresolved, including a government funding bill that expires at the end of September. A key sticking point is a ban on hemp products, which has caused delays in the legislation's progress.

Written by urgent.news from PBS NewsHour's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.

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