LIVE: Acting Attorney General Blanche testifies before Senate — Tuesday 19 May 2026Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche appeared before a Senate subcommittee to outline the Justice Department's proposed budget for fiscal year 2027. The live testimony focused on funding priorities that will shape federal law enforcement, prosecution efforts, and legal operations in the years ahead. Subcommittee members questioned Blanche on how the department plans to allocate resources amid shifting national security demands and evolving criminal threats. The proposed budget covers critical areas such as counterterrorism, cybercrime investigations, and civil rights enforcement. Blanche emphasized the need for sustained investment in technology and personnel to keep pace with increasingly sophisticated criminal networks. Senators from both parties raised concerns about oversight mechanisms and the department's ability to maintain independence while addressing high-profile cases that often draw international attention. For global audiences, the outcome of these deliberations carries weight beyond U.S. borders. Adequate funding for international law enforcement cooperation could strengthen efforts against cross-border trafficking, financial crimes, and foreign influence operations. Observers in Europe and Asia are watching closely, as U.S. Justice Department capacity directly affects joint investigations and extradition processes that rely on American resources and legal frameworks.Watch the full video from Reuters below.