NewsNoticias Tampa Bay (Univision)August 11, 2026Hillsborough
Senate confirms Todd Blanche as Attorney General in 50-49 vote
The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as the new Attorney General following a 50-49 vote. The confirmation follows reports regarding potential federal restrictions on reproductive health access and the potential use of the Comstock Act to limit the mailing of abortion medication.
Read the full story at Noticias Tampa Bay (Univision)Why It Matters
The confirmation of a new Attorney General impacts federal enforcement priorities, including the potential application of 19th-century laws to restrict reproductive healthcare services nationwide.
Key Facts
- The U.S. Senate confirmed Todd Blanche as Attorney General with a 50-49 vote.
- Senators Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski joined Democrats in voting against the confirmation.
- The confirmation follows a leaked audio recording from July where Blanche discussed making the Dobbs decision permanent in every state.
- The Department of Justice stated that Blanche's comments in the leaked audio were taken out of context.
- Advocacy groups expressed concern that the new leadership may use the Department of Justice to restrict abortion access.
- Concerns were raised regarding the potential reactivation of the Comstock Act to prohibit the mailing of abortion medication like mifepristone.
- Reproductive Freedom for All Nevada is supporting 'Propuesta Número 6' to protect abortion rights in the Nevada Constitution.
Who's Mentioned
personLisa Murkowski“U.S. Senator who voted against confirmation”personTodd Blanche“Newly confirmed Attorney General”personDenise López“Director of Reproductive Freedom for All Nevada”organizationReproductive Freedom for All Nevada“Advocacy group reacting to the confirmation”personSusan Collins“U.S. Senator who voted against confirmation”