U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Todd Blanche’s Attorney General Nomination

The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted Tuesday to advance Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination to permanently lead the Department of Justice, sending it to the full Senate for a final confirmation vote.

Blanche has served as acting attorney general since April, after previously serving as deputy attorney general. President Trump formally nominated him in June to succeed former Attorney General Pam Bondi, with the Judiciary Committee holding confirmation hearings in July.

On April 22, Blanche signed an order placing marijuana contained in products approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with marijuana subject to qualifying state-issued medical marijuana licenses, in Schedule III under the Controlled Substances Act. The order also put in place a process to fully reschedule cannabis, with a DEA hearing recently concluding (with an August 17 deadline for briefs to be filed).

The Justice Department said the action recognizes the longstanding regulation of medical marijuana by state governments while allowing expanded research into marijuana’s safety and medical efficacy. After signing the order, Blanche said, “The Department of Justice is delivering on President Trump’s promise to expand Americans’ access to medical treatment options.”

Blanche’s nomination must now receive approval from a majority of the full Senate before he can formally become permanent attorney general.