Obama Threatens Recess Appointments

by Josh Orton, Tue Feb 09, 2010 at 02:47:20 PM EST

Obama today:

President Barack Obama is calling on lawmakers to stop blocking the confirmation of government appointees in the Senate by raising objections not related to their qualifications.

In a surprise appearance in the White House briefing room Tuesday, Obama said he will consider making recess appointments if the Senate doesn't act on the confirmation hearings.

Good. Harry Reid already floated the idea last week, but it's Obama's call to make. 

Shelby's blanket hold was ridiculous, but it probably wasn't just about money for Alabama - the Republican caucus is playing a little chicken with the White House. Nice to see the White House pushing back.

 

Tags: Richard Shelby, Barack Obama (all tags)

Comments

7 Comments

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Three words:

KICK

THEIR

ARSE(s)

At least they finally understand this is war.

Beat the cr@p out of them, Barack!

by NoFortunateSon 2010-02-09 03:11PM | 1 recs
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I dunno

I don't think the Republican caucus was on board with Shelby's blanket hold.  I suspect they saw it as politically unhelpful and that Shelby likely would not have pulled the hold unless he was getting blowback from his own side of the aisle.

That doesn't alter the strategy of the WH response, of course.  And there is no reason Democrats can't continue to use this even though Shelby has dropped the hold.

by Steve M 2010-02-09 03:33PM | 0 recs
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What was he waiting for?

David Broder's stamp of approval?

by tarheel74 2010-02-09 03:57PM | 0 recs
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RE: What was he waiting for?

Reid evidently. Having previously stated that recess appointments were "an end run around the consitution" Reid obviously wanted the chance to do his job, however bad he is at it.

by vecky 2010-02-09 05:04PM | 0 recs
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RE: What was he waiting for?

You realize that you're referencing Reid's opposition to Bush's recess appointments?

by Josh Orton 2010-02-09 07:07PM | 0 recs
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RE: What was he waiting for?

Yes... but what Reid was doing was more than just oppo to Bush, he was pitting the Senate against the Executive - seperation of powers/equal branch essentially. Atleast that was how he framed it.

by vecky 2010-02-09 09:04PM | 0 recs
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Simple solution.

Any nominee not rejected by a committee or by the Senate as a whole within 6 months of appointment will be appointed during the next recess.  It gives the Senate a reasonable time to deliberate, respects their wishes if they reject the appointment, but does not allow them to leave the post vacant more than 6 months after the President offered a nominee for the post.

by Drew 2010-02-09 05:42PM | 0 recs

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