The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed its planned vote on Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general after two Republican senators withheld support. The delay matters because either senator could prevent the nomination from advancing, exposing divisions within the Republican majority and putting Blanche’s confirmation timetable at risk.

John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina sought written assurances concerning the Justice Department’s settlement of President Trump’s lawsuit against the IRS, including a $1.776 billion fund and tax-audit protections. Tillis had also made his backing conditional on Blanche meeting survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse. The committee said the vote was delayed while it worked to secure sufficient support, as the Justice Department continued negotiations with the senators.