Senator Lisa Murkowski announced she will vote against Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general, joining Senator Susan Collins in opposition. This Republican defection jeopardizes Blanche's confirmation, especially with Senator Mitch McConnell absent. Murkowski expressed a lack of confidence that Blanche would check the administration's impulses. While the Senate Majority Leader intends to hold a vote before the August recess, the outcome remains uncertain. Blanche's nomination had previously been advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee. This followed an agreement with Senators John Cornyn and Thom Tillis to terminate a proposed anti-weaponization fund. Senator John Fetterman has also stated his intention to vote against Blanche. Murkowski and Senator Bill Cassidy met with Blanche, but their voting intentions were not disclosed at the time. McConnell's return to the Senate has not been specified, and he has not publicly stated his position on the nomination. The timing of the vote is crucial as the Senate is nearing its recess.