Republican senator Thom Tillis recently met with White House officials to endorse Todd Blanche’s confirmation as U.S. attorney. Critics assert say Tillis, formerly a vocal champion, now wields reduced influence. The Senate saw the departure of an influential member when Lindsey Graham died on July 14. This creates more vacancies for top positions. The GOP fought over the SAVE Act all week. Backers pressed strongly, but others described the effort weak. They argued the bill lacked a solid plan.