Frank Thorp V

WASHINGTON — The Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass legislation to impose sanctions against Russia and Iran after months of fits and starts, with the death of Republican Sen.

Fauci declined to answer senators’ questions over 100 times during last week’s hearing, angering Republican lawmakers who have targeted him for years.

Trump critics and some Justice Department veterans say the acting attorney general has shown a willingness to conform to Trump’s demands for loyalty.

The Ohio Republican, who has been accused of domestic abuse by his ex-wife, said he wants to clear his name: “I have absolutely nothing to hide.”

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche issued an order saying the $1.8 billion fund had been “rescinded,” but critics note he’s not the only one who has a say in the matter.

The House Ethics Committee said it found “substantial reason” to believe Rep. Chuck Edwards violated House rules on sexual harassment.

The deal, struck by Republican Susan Collins and Democrat Patty Murray, the leaders on the Senate Appropriations Committee, would keep the government open until Dec. 11.

Republicans Thom Tillis and John Cornyn have been holding up Todd Blanche’s nomination for attorney general, seeking assurances the controversial fund is dead.

The Senate Judiciary Committee postponed a vote on Blanche’s nomination over objections from Sens. John Cornyn of Texas and Thom Tillis of North Carolina.

Todd Blanche’s bid to formally become attorney general is on hold — at least temporarily — amid concerns from two key Republican senators on the Judiciary Committee.

Two Republicans on the Judiciary Committee said they have not received the assurances they’re seeking from the Justice Department regarding the Trump-IRS settlement.