With the Senate facing a “full legislative calendar and a Supreme Court debate ahead, the outlook for the more than 100 names on the executive calendar appears grim for the rest of the year,” Roll Call reports.
The Senate adjourned Friday for a weeklong Memorial Day break after clearing a few noncontroversial names but not a larger package that Senate leaders had been discussing all week. Congressional aides suggest President Barack Obama may clear some names using recess appointment power this week. Still, dozens of nominees will remain on the calendar after Senators return from their break.
Obama used a recess appointment to install the highly controversial Craig Becker in March to serve on the National Labor Relations Board, and it was that very name that tripped up negotiations this week. Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) tried to reach consensus on a group of names before gaveling out of session, but Republicans would not agree to approve Becker for a full term. His recess appointment expires at the end of the Congress.
Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) sought unanimous consent on a package of 60 names that included Becker’s on Thursday night after most Members had left the floor, but it was denied by McConnell.
“There’s a fundamental lack of equity and fairness involved here, and that’s been a significant hindrance in coming to a consent agreement,” McConnell said on the floor.
The Senate did confirm “a group of 31 military and other noncontroversial nominations Friday before adjourning.”
Five additional names were cleared earlier in the week.
(credit image – daylife/getty)
Congress in Your Pocket
S E N A T U S 
“Fundamental lack of equity?” What does Mcconnel mean by that? How can he justifying hindering the presidential right to appoint persons to posts in his government capacity. It is very, very sad that the GOP remains a stumbling block to democracy.
The party of “Hell No,” lacks a fundament voice of reason and polite decorum. Must they continue to impede the progress of the country? This is not a partisan issue; it is an issue affecting the security and operation of our government.