Grassley Speaks Ahead of Blanche’s Confirmation to be Attorney General

Floor Remarks by Senator Chuck Grassley of Iowa
Chairman, Senate Judiciary Committee
"Senate Confirmation of Todd Blanche to be Attorney General"
Friday, August 7, 2026

VIDEO

In a few moments, we'll vote to confirm Todd Blanche as the Attorney General of the United States. Before we do, I'd like to speak in support of his nomination and urge my colleagues to vote for him.

Mr. Blanche is nominated to one of the most important offices in our country, and he's shown that he's up to the task.

His impressive background and presentation at his hearing in the Judiciary Committee are proof that he's led the Justice Department with distinction, and is well suited to continue doing that.

During his hearing, Mr. Blanche answered questions for more than five hours.

His testimony reinforced what we already knew from his proven record.

Mr. Blanche is a tough, fair prosecutor dedicated to the rule of law, and his leadership instills that same zeal throughout the entire Justice Department.

Mr. Blanche began his career clerking for two federal judges appointed by presidents from both parties.

He then spent nearly a decade as a federal prosecutor in the Southern District of New York. During that time, Mr. Blanche handled a wide array of criminal matters, including narcotics trafficking and violent crimes.

Mr. Blanche eventually entered private practice, where he had a successful career in many high-profile cases.

But his love of country brought him back to public service - first as Deputy Attorney General and now as Acting Attorney General.

Throughout his career, Mr. Blanche demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public service and the fair administration of justice.

At his hearing, and many times since, I've detailed the successes of the Justice Department under his leadership. Indeed, the statistics prove that Americans are safer with Mr. Blanche at the helm.

Under his leadership, fraud enforcement efforts have been ramped up. Arrests for violent crimes and criminals engaged in child exploitation have increased. Terrorist plots have been successfully thwarted. Massive quantities of illegal firearms and harmful drugs like fentanyl have been seized.

As a result, the United States has its lowest murder rate since 1900, and crime trends throughout the country have declined.

According to the Council on Criminal Justice's 2026 mid-year report, the reported rates for homicide dropped 51% from its peak over the past nine years. Carjacking dropped 73%. Residential burglary dropped 56%. Motor vehicle theft dropped 51%.

I could go on and on. According to the report, every single violent crime category, and nearly all property crime categories, have dropped below pre-pandemic levels.

That didn't happen by accident.

It happened because Mr. Blanche refocused the Justice Department on keeping Americans safe.

That's the sort of impact we should want and expect from the Justice Department, and that's what Mr. Blanche has delivered.

We heard about it at Mr. Blanche's hearing.

The committee heard heart-wrenching testimony from an Angel Mom, Jennifer Bos. She told us about her daughter's tragic and gruesome death. She explained the importance of Mr. Blanche's focus on keeping Americans safe.

Ms. Bos stated, "I couldn't save my daughter, but with Todd Blanche as attorney general, he might save yours, because next time it could be your child. It could be your family. It could be you."

This sentiment was shared in the outpouring of support the committee received for Mr. Blanche's nomination.

Three-hundred Angel Families wrote a letter thanking Mr. Blanche for prioritizing victims and focusing the department's efforts on stopping illegal immigration, ending drug and human trafficking and protecting American communities from violent crime.

The committee also received several letters from major law enforcement organizations that collectively represent hundreds of thousands of law enforcement officers all across our country.

They praised Mr. Blanche's focus on public safety, the rule of law and his unwavering support for law enforcement professionals. The people who risk their lives daily to protect our families and communities.

In total, the committee received more than 30 letters supporting Mr. Blanche's nomination.

These included more than 100 former Justice Department attorneys, chiefs of staff, U.S. attorneys and other senior officials. Mr. Blanche's nomination was also supported by multiple former attorneys general, including John Ashcroft and Bill Barr.

These former attorneys general know what it takes to run the Justice Department.

Between his proven track record, his presentation in committee and the support he's received from across the country, I am convinced that Mr. Blanche is the right choice to lead the Justice Department.

A vote for Todd Blanche is a vote for the safety of the American people.

That's a vote the American people deserve, and that's a vote that I'm proud to cast.

So, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in voting to confirm Mr. Blanche as the Attorney General.

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