
CBP pauses Big Bend border project for on-site review amid park controversy
CBP paused Big Bend construction for an on-site review after heavy equipment began moving dirt, as lawmakers and locals weigh border security against protecting the park.
All articles tagged with #john cornyn

CBP paused Big Bend construction for an on-site review after heavy equipment began moving dirt, as lawmakers and locals weigh border security against protecting the park.
Sen. Bill Cassidy said his vote to advance Todd Blanche’s nomination as attorney general wasn’t a simple yes-or-no choice, citing positives about Blanche and the need for stable DOJ leadership. Blanche narrowly cleared the Senate 50-49 after a deal with Sen. John Cornyn to terminate the $1.8 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund tied to Trump allies, a move Cassidy said helped sway him, though he acknowledged he nearly opposed Blanche over protections for Trump and his family from IRS probes.
Senate Republicans are optimistic about confirming acting Attorney General Todd Blanche by week’s end, but several undecided GOP lawmakers remain; a weekend deal with Senators Cornyn and Tillis to clarify a Trump-IRS settlement improved his Judiciary Committee prospects, though a full Senate vote will depend on the remaining holdouts and could come as early as Saturday if the committee approves him.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche formally rescinded the Trump-era plan for an $1.8 billion fund meant for people who claim political prosecutions, as part of a deal to advance his Senate-confirmed nomination to head the Justice Department, after Sens. John Cornyn and Thom Tillis threatened to oppose the nomination without concessions.
Sen. John Cornyn brokered a DOJ-backed agreement to terminate the controversial Anti-Weaponization Fund and limit the Trump-IRS audit deal to named plaintiffs, paving the way for acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's confirmation in the Senate Judiciary Committee vote set for Tuesday, though GOP unity remains essential as Sen. Thom Tillis signals alignment and Democrats oppose the nomination.
President Donald Trump signaled that he would rather withdraw and refile Todd Blanche’s nomination to lead the Justice Department than bend to Senate Republicans John Cornyn and Thom Tillis over a controversial May settlement with the IRS, keeping Blanche as acting AG while demanding broader concessions; the move underscores Trump’s willingness to sacrifice his nominees to thwart critics and raises questions about checks and balances as lawmakers weigh potential deals after the midterms.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to vote on Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination, but Sen. John Cornyn hasn’t committed to supporting him until Blanche formally modifies the DOJ- brokered IRS settlement—narrowing an $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization fund' and ensuring the audit-immunity deal only retroactively applies. With a Thursday committee vote and a 4 p.m. Wednesday deadline discussed by Judiciary Chair Grassley, Blanche’s confirmation could be delayed if Cornyn withholds support, while Sen. Wyden’s amendment seeks to block the immunity deal and bids from other Republicans remain mixed.

Acting Attorney General nominee Todd Blanche's confirmation hangs in the balance after Sen. John Cornyn canceled a meeting to press for written assurances about provisions of the Trump-IRS settlement that could shield Trump and others from audits on pre-settlement tax returns; Sen. Thom Tillis shares concerns about a related DOJ fund, and the Judiciary Committee's upcoming vote could doom Blanche's confirmation if GOP lawmakers withhold support.

Todd Blanche’s nomination to be Attorney General remains uncertain as Republicans demand the DOJ formally kill the controversial 'anti-weaponization' fund; Sen. John Cornyn says he hasn’t received a written plan from the DOJ, while Sen. Thom Tillis is more optimistic, and a vote on Blanche could be postponed until the fund issue is resolved.

Trump seeks Republican support for Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination by courting Sens. Tillis and Cornyn, despite years of insults; the White House confirms ongoing outreach as Blanche’s confirmation could hinge on a single no vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee, with questions surrounding his handling of Epstein-related matters and settlement negotiations adding to the lawmakers’ hesitation.
Todd Blanche’s Senate confirmation hearing shows a potential GOP hurdle: Sen. John Cornyn remains undecided, and his vote could determine whether Blanche advances to the floor. With Sen. Thom Tillis wavering but open to persuading colleagues by declaring the $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund moot, Democrats ramp up pressure while the White House weighs lobbying. The fund dispute and related settlement questions could ultimately decide Blanche’s fate before an August floor vote.

Sen. John Cornyn told the New York Times that President Trump is headed for the 'most miserable two years' of his term as midterms approach and GOP leverage grows, noting past loyalty fractures and Trump’s feud with Cornyn after backing Ken Paxton, signaling a tougher political environment for Trump.
President Trump's last‑minute endorsement of Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate primary roiled Republicans, risking higher costs and a tougher path to hold the seat as Paxton heads toward a runoff against Cornyn‑backer James Talarico. Democrats see a potential opening to flip Texas and are ready to spend big, while GOP insiders warn the endorsement could backfire by weakening down‑ballot candidates and accelerating a costly statewide battle. Paxton's long history of controversy and fundraising gaps add to the uncertainty, even as Trump’s loyalty helps Paxton mobilize his base.

President Trump endorses Ken Paxton in the Texas Senate runoff against John Cornyn’s allies, as James Talarico remains the Democratic challenger who leads in recent polls and fundraising; the race is still viewed as likely Republican by Cook, with early voting ending Friday and Election Day on May 26.

President Donald Trump endorsed Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in the Republican Senate runoff against Sen. John Cornyn, giving Paxton a major boost as early voting continues. Trump praised Paxton’s MAGA-aligned positions, including ending the filibuster and backing the SAVE America Act, while noting Cornyn’s late support for him. The move follows months of ads from both camps and tight polling, with Democrats signaling Paxton as beatable. The outcome could influence down-ballot races and the broader Texas political landscape.