Thom Tillis Says He Will Vote to Confirm Kevin Warsh After DOJ Dropped Powell

U.S. Senator Tom Tillis of North Carolina told NBC News Meet the Press on Sunday that he'll vote to confirm Kevin Warsh, President Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Federal Reserve. Tillis blocked Warsh's nomination for weeks from moving forward as he protested a Justice Department investigation into Fed Chair Jerome Powell. His Sunday statement announcement comes after the Department of Justice dropped the Powell investigation. Will you now vote yes to confirm Kevin Warsh? Let me back up. The announcement on Friday was well received by me. I think it's the first time that the Department of Justice in D.C., or I should say the D.C. prosecutors have acknowledged that they're not going to carry this case forward. The case is on appeal. But after that statement, I've had a number of discussions with the Department of Justice. They have made it very clear that the current investigation is completely and fully ended. There may be some confusion because they're moving forward with the appeal, but I have been assured by the Department of Justice that that appeal is simply to challenge the basis for judging on the motion to quash the subpoenas. It would not in any way constitute a basis for reopening the investigation. And we heard from Acting Attorney General Blanche just a few minutes ago that the only thing that would trigger an investigation is criminal potential, criminal misconduct identified by the Inspector General Horowitz, who's one of the most respected inspector generals in Washington or in the whole of government. I believe, I have studied this, and I believe that there will not be any wrongdoing. Maybe we find a little stupid here in terms of somebody responsible for the project making a decision they shouldn't, maybe. But it doesn't rise to a criminal prosecution. That was my problem to begin with because I feel like there were prosecutors in D.C. that thought this was going to be a lever to have Mr. Powell leave early. But now, with this, I am prepared and with the assurances from the Department of Justice that the case is completely and fully settled, that the appeal would only be used to potentially abrogate or change the ruling for administrative purposes, not as a basis for reopening the investigation, and that the only way an investigation would be open would be a criminal referral from one of the most respected inspector generals there. I am prepared to move on with the confirmation of Mr. Warsh. I think he's going to be a great Fed Chair.