Presidential Appointments
Summary:
- Provides clear rules for Congress to designate the Presidential advisors and Cabinet members that require appointment with the advice and consent of the Senate
- Eliminates recess appointments
- Requires the President submit nominees within thirty days of vacancy
- Mandates that the Senate committee with oversight authority conduct hearings and forward a nomination to the floor of the Senate within 60 days
- Provides for a maximum of an additional 30 days for the Senate to act on a Presidential nomination
Benefits:
- Gives the legislative branch a clear role in designating which presidential advisors require Senate confirmation
- Eliminates the games around keeping the Senate "in session" to preclude recess appointments
- Recognizes the 21st century reality that the Senate can return to session and act on any presidential nomination in a short time frame (no longer a 6-week ride by horseback)
- Requires that a presidential nominee get a hearing by the appropriate Senate committee
- Eliminates Senate "holds" on key presidential nominations
- Requires that the full Senate dispose of presidential nominations in a timely manner in accordance with Senate rules
- Acts as a moderating influence on the President's selection process
