New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- Todd Blanche, Donald Trump's close aide, moved a step closer to becoming the next US attorney general on Tuesday (4 August) after the Senate Judiciary Committee approved his nomination in a narrow party-line vote.

The decision came after Todd Blanche provided written assurances that a controversial $1.8 billion fund linked to President Donald Trump's settlement with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would not proceed, helping secure the backing of two Republican senators who had raised objections.

The committee voted 12-10 to advance Blanche's nomination, sending it to the full US Senate where he is widely expected to secure confirmation despite continued Democratic opposition.

Todd Blanche's nomination had faced ...