Reid Move Blocks Bush Recess AppointmentsFrom Roll Call (sub. req.):
Following hours of intense talks that ended in a standoff, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) decided late Wednesday to move several dozen nominees but still keep the Senate in business over the monthlong holiday break to block President Bush from making any controversial recess appointments while Senators are out of town….But the two sides didn’t see completely eye to eye, as Bush pushed to include in the deal Steven Bradbury’s nomination to be assistant counsel to the attorney general. Bradbury is unpopular with Democrats for his controversial role in formulating the administration’s position on torture.
“I tried very hard to work with the president but he indicated he would still use the recess … to appoint objectionable nominees,” Reid said on the Senate floor Wednesday night. “My only solution is to end this and call a pro forma session again.”
For a refresher on who Steve Bradbury is, and why the administration would want him in office so badly, see our earlier rundown here.