Search Results

open access

Recess Appointments: Frequently Asked Questions

Description: This report supplies brief answers to some frequently-asked questions regarding recess appointments. These are appointments to high-level policy-making positions in federal departments which are generally confirmed by the Senate. When the Senate is in recess, the President may make a temporary appointment, called a recess appointment, to any such position without Senate approval.
Date: July 7, 2013
Creator: Hogue, Henry B.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Presidential Appointments to Full-Time Positions in Executive Departments During the 111th Congress, 2009-2010

Description: This report explains the process for filling positions to which the President makes appointments with the advice and consent of the Senate (also referred to as PAS positions). It also identifies, for the 111th Congress, all nominations to full-time positions requiring Senate confirmation in the 15 executive departments.
Date: July 15, 2014
Creator: Carey, Maeve P. & Greene, Michael
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Nominations to Cabinet Positions During Inter-Term Transitions Since 1984

Description: This report discusses nominations to Cabinet positions during inter-term presidential transitions. It begins with a discussion of the positions that make up the Cabinet and the process by which nominations to such positions are considered in the Senate. Following this discussion, the report provides data on, and analysis of, the pace of Senate consideration of inter-term transition nominations to Cabinet positions since 1984.
Date: July 30, 2014
Creator: Carey, Maeve P.; Greene, Michael & Hogue, Henry B.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

The Vacancies Act: A Legal Overview

Description: This report first describes how the Vacancies Act operates and outlines its scope, identifying when the Vacancies Act applies to a given office, how it is enforced, and which offices are exempt from its provisions. The report then explains who may serve as an acting officer and for how long, focusing on the limitations the Vacancies Act places on acting service. Finally, the report turns to issues of particular relevance to Congress, primarily highlighting the Vacancies Act's enforcement mechan… more
Date: July 20, 2018
Creator: Brannon, Valerie C.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Presidential Appointments, the Senate's Confirmation Process, and Proposals for Change, 112th Congress

Description: The responsibility for populating top positions in the executive and judicial branches of government is shared, with the President having the power of appointment and the Senate having the power of advice and consent. This report provides a brief background on advice and consent issues, an overview of the appointment process in both the executive and legislative branches, and a brief discussion of recent concerns about the system. Next, the report explores the events in the 112th Congress leadi… more
Date: July 8, 2011
Creator: Carey, Maeve P. & Palmer, Betsy
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Presidential Appointments, the Senate's Confirmation Process, and Proposals for Change, 112th Congress

Description: The responsibility for populating top positions in the executive and judicial branches of government is shared, with the President having the power of appointment and the Senate having the power of advice and consent. This report provides a brief background on advice and consent issues, an overview of the appointment process in both the executive and legislative branches, and a brief discussion of recent concerns about the system. Next, the report explores the events in the 112th Congress leadi… more
Date: July 17, 2011
Creator: Carey, Maeve P. & Palmer, Betsy
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
open access

Recess Appointments: A Legal Overview

Description: Article II of the Constitution provides that the President “shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and counsels, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for and which shall be established by law.” As a supplement to this authority, the The constitution further provides that “[t]he President shall have the Power to fill up all Vac… more
Date: July 26, 2005
Creator: Halstead, T. J.
Partner: UNT Libraries Government Documents Department
Back to Top of Screen