Novak: New Senate leader's shortened recesses could cut off Bush judicial nominees

[kskiska]

Sen. Harry Reid, leading the Senate's new Democratic majority, is framing next year's schedule in a way that will make it difficult, if not impossible, for President Bush to give recess appointments to nominees blocked for confirmation.

Reid's schedule limits Senate recesses to one week. Recess appointments usually are made only when Congress has been out of session for at least 10 days. That may kill any consideration of trying to seat federal appeals court judges whose nominations had been stalled even in the Republican-controlled Senate. The downside may be a rebellion by senators if their breaks are held to one week.

A footnote: Bush did not make his difficult course in the Senate any easier when he inexplicably failed to place a congratulatory phone call to Sen. Mitch McConnell on his election as Senate Republican leader. The president did call the new minority whip, Sen. Trent Lott. After McConnell revealed the presidential snub in an interview, Bush called him.

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http://www.suntimes.com/news/novak/157503,CST-EDT-novak03.article

[NOLADEM]

1. Way to go Harry!

Hope there is so much more of this to come.

[aquart]

2. It's the little things that count.

I'm delighted to note.

[aquart]

3. How did a swipe at Emily's list wind up in this column?

He needed to find something to cheer the Repudiated Party?

[xultar]

4. Poor senators can only take a week recess. Bush has been using

the recesses to do backhanded bullshit. The republican senators will surely revolt.

[Demeter]

8. The Republican Senators Are Revolting!

(But of course, you thought so already!)

Any Senator that doesn't Like doing the nation's business, can quit!

[xultar]

9. And they can kiss my ass.

[napi21]

5. I HOPE this is right, but..........

Recess appointments usually are made only when Congress has been out of session for at least 10 days.

When was the last time Shrub did anything that was "usually done"? I don't know that he CAN'T make them in a shorter time!

[bluerum]

6. Good pre-emptive action. Stay tuned... nt

[Pab Sungenis]

7. Perpetual session.

It's the only way to be sure. Otherwise, the minute the gavel comes down, Bush will sign the papers.