Bill Cassidy

I think he does. J.D. Vance came and spoke to the Republican lunch and did a good job of explaining the perspective as to how to go forward.

So we're trying to get something done. We were trying to set up a process by which the Senate would invite the House to join and present bills that could be a solution.

I condemn language like that. It's not to say that – let me just stop. The – the – the Muslims that I typically work with are doctors working in a remote area of Louisiana who otherwise would not have a physician unless Dr. Mohammed…

I’ll be criticized for this vote.

Mr. Blanche showed poor judgment in approving the anti-weaponization slush fund and exempting the president from IRS audits.

All things considered, I will vote for Mr. Blanche.

I am reluctant to impede the department's work fighting violent crime.

Senate confirmation is important in interactions with the president, with others in the Cabinet and is important to DOJ employees in general.

I think it is a reality.

I cannot overstate Mr. Walls’ and Mr. Courcelle’s support for Mr. Blanche.

I am told that Senate confirmation is important in interactions with the president, with others in the Cabinet and is important to DOJ employees in general. Being Senate-confirmed gives him greater leverage to push for things that should…

It is between Mr. Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department effectively under President Trump.

Being Senate-confirmed gives him greater leverage to push for things that should be pushed for.

I have a history with Mr. Trump. But that history does not matter one bit.

I will also note that Mr. Blanche is criticized for things over which he has no control, he points out that he has been criticized for presidential pardons given to Jan. 6 rioters, some of whom assaulted police officers.

I’ve learned that some of the cases that have been publicly reported to be under investigation by the Department of Justice have been dismissed or no longer being pursued.

That history does not matter one bit.

This process should be about Mr. Blanche and how he will go forward in a difficult job, and how the American people can be best served.

I have not approached it that way.

I will vote for Mr Blanche. Mr Blanche is not perfect, and he will tell you this, but the choice is not between perfection and Mr Blanche; it is between Mr Blanche and another acting attorney general who may not run the department…

He can advise the president, but the president is not obligated to take his advice

This is the rationale for having a Senate confirmed attorney general with more leverage to push back

I will be criticized for this vote

I am particularly concerned about episodes of apparent lawfare, DOJ bringing suits against political enemies.

I am realistic that President Trump can be unrelenting on this, but this will be true no matter who the attorney general is.