The Senate narrowly confirmed Todd Blanche as attorney general, closing a bruising confirmation fight and installing a new leader atop the Justice Department. Blanche, who had served as a personal lawyer for President Trump, was confirmed by a thin margin following a contentious stretch of debate in the chamber before the final tally was recorded.

Senator Lisa Murkowski, Republican of Alaska, voted against the confirmation but did not have the votes to block it.

The vote came as the Senate wrapped up business before leaving for recess. Lawmakers had acted to fund the government in the same period, and Blanche's confirmation stood among the final matters resolved before senators departed.

References

1. 1.Wire report — narrow confirmation vote and Blanche taking leadership of the Justice Department
2. 2.Wire report — Blanche's prior role as a personal lawyer for President Trump
3. 3.Wire report — Murkowski's opposition and inability to block confirmation
4. 4.Wire report — timing of the vote alongside government funding action before recess