Senator John Cornyn’s planned meeting with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche was cancelled shortly before the Senate Judiciary Committee was due to vote on Blanche’s nomination to become attorney general. The development matters because Cornyn’s support could determine whether the Republican nominee advances, with Democrats expected to oppose him unanimously.

Cornyn has said he needs firm assurances that a proposed $1.8 billion “anti-weaponisation” fund will not proceed and has also raised concerns about an IRS settlement affecting President Trump and his family. Blanche has said the fund is not moving forward, but Cornyn had not committed to supporting the nomination ahead of the committee vote.