Witnesses Testify at Todd Blanche's Confirmation Hearing
The confirmation hearing for Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche continues with testimonies from various witnesses. Key senators remain undecided on his confirmation. (sources: cspan, pbs, usatoday, cnn, cbsnews)
Senator Hawley questioned former DOJ Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer regarding her clemency record during the Biden administration. Epstein survivor Dani Bensky also expressed opposition to Blanche's confirmation.
- Senator Hawley focused on Oyer's record on clemency during his questioning.
- Dani Bensky, an Epstein survivor, testified against Blanche's confirmation.
- The confirmation hearing is in its second day, with key GOP senators still undecided.
Why it matters
The outcome of the confirmation hearing could impact the leadership of the Department of Justice.
↓ Congress can act on this
6 bills on this issue are moving right now — and the most active one is S1049: Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025.
S1049 · 119th Congress
Preventing Child Trafficking Act of 2025
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About this bill
What S1049 actually does
This story is about Sen. Hawley Grills Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer Over Clemency Record Under Biden Administration. This bill would direct the Office for Victims of Crime to continue implementing GAO anti-trafficking recommendations.
If passed, it would:
- direct the Office for Victims of Crime to continue implementing GAO anti-trafficking recommendations • require reporting to Congress on that implementation.
5 other bills moving on this issue
Take action on any of them individually.
This story is about Sen. Hawley Grills Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer Over Clemency Record Under Biden Administration. This bill would require a $5,000 assessment on certain non-indigent persons or entities convicted of covered offenses.
If passed, it would
- require a $5,000 assessment on certain non-indigent persons or entities convicted of covered offenses.
This story is about Sen. Hawley Grills Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer Over Clemency Record Under Biden Administration. This bill would reauthorize programs and activities that combat trafficking.
If passed, it would
- reauthorize programs and activities that combat trafficking • establish a new HHS program to help trafficking victims integrate or reintegrate into society.
This story is about Sen. Hawley Grills Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer Over Clemency Record Under Biden Administration. This bill would extend victims’ rights earlier in a case and require consultation before plea, diversion.
If passed, it would
- extend victims’ rights earlier in a case and require consultation before plea, diversion • require DOJ reporting to Congress on complaints and compliance with victims’ rights.
This story is about Sen. Hawley Grills Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer Over Clemency Record Under Biden Administration. This bill would require the President to publish written reasons for each grant of executive clemency.
If passed, it would
- require the President to publish written reasons for each grant of executive clemency • require a Justice Impact Statement, including victim contact and law-enforcement views.
This story is about Sen. Hawley Grills Former DOJ Pardon Attorney Elizabeth Oyer Over Clemency Record Under Biden Administration. This bill would let a victim sue the government if the government enters a plea bargain or deferred prosecution agreement without timely.
If passed, it would
- let a victim sue the government if the government enters a plea bargain or deferred prosecution agreement without • broaden the notification provision to cover nonprosecution agreements as well.
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