A group of Senate Dems wrote to WH Counsel David Warrington w/ concerns on the new OLC opinion that says executive privilege can apply to the president's outside advisers, especially how it could hinder future congressional oversight

ICYMI: last night Trump announced 9 judicial nominees, all in red states

Dems from Illinois urged DOJ today to cease the practice of "mega master" immigration hearings in their state and others They say this practice fuels the administration's "mass deportation campaign"

Excerpt from Blanche’s speech to the DOJ workforce just now:

NEW: Assistant AG Colin McDonald issued a memo today outlining the priorities for the fraud division Attorneys will prioritize fraud related to: public trust and financial integrity, health care, internal revenue, global trade and commerce & corporate misconduct

OLC opinion published yesterday says, "Section 930(d)(3) of title 18, U.S. Code, permits the lawful carrying of constitutionally protected firearms in post offices that are generally open to the public."

Now that Todd Blanche is confirmed and sworn-in as AG, here's a look at the the official who's taking over his former post as deputy AG, at least on a temporary basis Story below

Now that both chambers are on August recess, I'd love to take some time to catch up with sources on all things Congress, courts and DOJ. If you're in the DMV, let's grab a coffee, otherwise virtual meetings work too Give me a shout on Signal at Courtneybuble.13 or courtney.buble@law360.com

Today 8 judges for DC's local courts were confirmed as part of the noms package, easing a years-long vacancy crisis. BUT Herbert Rouson Jr., the courts' executive officer, told me they still need "full funding" to handle "surging caseloads and security threats" Story below

The package of 74 nominees the Senate is voting on today contains: --4 US attorneys (for Hawaii, Michigan, Alabama and Oklahoma) --8 judges for local DC courts -the DOJ inspector general

CASSIDY says he will vote YES on Blanche

CASSIDY is speaking now on Blanche

Now that Blanche is out of committee, I asked Grassley if Blanche has the votes needed on the senate floor “We’re trying to determine that at this point,” but expects he’ll be confirmed, Grassley said

Blanche was voted out along party lines

“It’s hard for me to say this as a plant-based guy, but where’s the beef?” —Booker, expressing concerns that the weaponization fund is actually dead and that the IRS audit is limited

CORNYN is speaking now Regarding the agreement Tillis and him reached with DOJ, he said he expects the department to "live up to this in future litigation"

Good morning from the Senate Judiciary Committee business meeting where senators will vote shortly on Blanche's nomination

Tillis and Cornyn announced they will now vote for Blanche. Now the question is, can he get confirmed before August recess starts?

Durbin, Cramer and Boozman introduced a bipartisan bill today that would create a pilot program for the federal judiciary to control facilities for some of its courts. They've been asking Congress for real property authority since 1989. GSA is currently in control Story tk

Tillis says he’s still not a no on Blanche and is “optimistic” he can get to yes.

NEW Trump post on Todd Blanche "I have no objection to temporarily withdrawing Todd’s name, if they do not do the right thing, and putting him back after Cornyn and Tillis are out of office."

DOJ spox on the vote getting postponed: "Department has been in regular communication with Committee members for weeks, and we look forward to continuing to work productively with Senators to address any concerns."

Statement on the Blanche vote postponement:

Grassley just walked into Cornyn’s office and did not answer any questions Tillis entered shortly after

“No news” —Cornyn on Blanche That 4pm deadline is getting real close

Cornyn is saying DOJ has not been sufficiently responsive with his request regarding info on the IRS settlement A DOJ official says department sent Cornyn's staff a written proposal on Tuesday. "We look forward to further discussion around any outstanding concerns"

Tillis and Cornyn are still undecided on Blanche ahead of the committee vote on Thursday

Thune is noncommittal so far on Trump’s request to keep the Senate in over August recess, but noted to reporters that he supports the SAVE Act 

Jack Smith's attorneys are pushing back. Story here-- www.law360.com/articles/250...

Jack Smith's Lawyers Say Criminal Referral Twists Testimony - Law360

Former Special Counsel Jack Smith's legal team has said the criminal referral a U.S. congress member sent the Department of Justice to investigate Smith is based on a "spurious claim."

law360.com

Courtney Bublé@courtneybuble.bsky.social · last mo.

NEW: Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has referred Jack Smith to DOJ for criminal prosecution judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-su...

NEW: Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, has referred Jack Smith to DOJ for criminal prosecution judiciary.house.gov/sites/evo-su...