Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Windsor Johnston.
In an early morning vote,
the Senate has confirmed President Trump's nomination of Todd Blanch to serve as Attorney General.
His confirmation appeared assured after Republican Senator Bill Cassidy announced his support for him on Friday.
Two Republicans, Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski, voted against his nomination.
Democrats have questioned whether Blanche, Trump's former personal attorney,
can lead the Justice Department independently.
The Senate has also voted to approve new sanctions aimed at cutting the revenue
that Russia uses to fund its war in Ukraine.
The yeas are 86. The nays are 11. The measure targets Russian leaders,
banks, energy projects and Moscow's so-called shadow fleet of oil tankers.
It also allows President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major buyers of Russian energy.
Senator Richard Blumenthal praised the bipartisan effort.
I want to particularly thank Senator Lindsey Graham and his courageous, effective sister Darlene for their...
Immensely important, even historic contribution to this bill.
The legislation now heads to the House.
A federal appeals court is ordering the Trump administration
to stop construction of its $400 million White House ballroom.
NPR's Rachel Treisman reports.
A three-judge panel Friday ruled that building a White House ballroom is a question for Congress,