Friday, January 25, 2013

Jay Carney: Court ruling contradicts 150 years of practice dating back to 2007

From Reuters:
A federal appeals court ruled on Friday that President Barack Obama violated the U.S. Constitution when he... made three "recess" appointments to the National Labor Relations Board in January 2012, while the Senate was on one of its many recesses but not formally adjourned for the year.

"Considering the text, history, and structure of the Constitution, these appointments were invalid from their inception," said the ruling by a three judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

The panel said the Senate was not truly in recess when Obama made his appointments.

White House spokesman Jay Carney called the ruling "novel and unprecedented" and said it contradicted 150 years of practice by both Democratic and Republican administrations.
Yep, the ruling contradicted 150 years of practice by both Democratic and Republicans, going all the way back to 2007 when Senate Majority leader Harry Reid held pro forma sessions to block Bush nominees.

Wait, I just realized something! Harry Reid looks pretty young for a 150+ year-old man! The guy's eating his wheaties!

P.S. The New York Times notes that, "Both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have used the tactic of “pro forma” session to block presidents from making recess appointments." But of course, President Obama is above the law......