Would You Support Abolishing Recess Appointments?

[CorpGovActivist]

When the Constitution was penned, the Founders envisioned a part-time national legislature, and were dealing with the exigencies of 18th century modes of travel and communications.

Wisely, they provided the Executive with a means to make interim appointments in the absence of the Legislative.

We often hear "strict Constitutionalists" make excuses for why Congress no longer has to formally declare war in order for our troops to be put into harm's way.

"It's anachronistic," they so often say.

Wisely, the Founders recognized that times would change. Given the modern modes of communication and travel, should Congress act to abolish recess appointments altogether - depriving all future Presidents (regardless of party affiliation) of that end-run power?

Thanks for registering your opinion.

- Dave

[VP505]

1. There are probably

plenty of reasons on both sides of that issue, (abolish recess appointments) but seems to me that it would be dangerous to have modern Politicos tinkering with what the founders laid out for us. Probably better to do away with Congressional recesses, or at least bring them more in line with what most working people experience. Most working people had Thursday and maybe Friday off and will be back to work Monday, not Congress, they will be off another week.

[gateley]

3. I think the Congress deserves its recesses. The men and women should get time

to return to their districts/states, and many of their families don't reside in DC.

This is not to say that a recess shouldn't be cancelled if crucial votes are awaiting resolution.

I certainly have a lot of opinions for someone who really only kind of knows what's going on... :7

[CorpGovActivist]

4. If You've Not Read the Federalist Papers...

... treat yourself this holiday season. Run down to your local library, and check out a copy.

The rationales for many Constitutional devices (e.g., recess appointments) were valid then, but are less so now.

- Dave

[gateley]

2. Good point --

"and were dealing with the exigencies of 18th century modes of travel and communications."

If there were indeed an 'emergency' situation today, they could return to DC in a reasonable amount of time, or hell, even conference call the entire thing somehow -

I voted to abolish recess appointments.

Thanks for bringing up this thought provoking issue!

[Ian David]

5. At the VERY least, we need to REFORM recess appointments.

Maybe pass a Constitutional Amendment that all recess appointments must be given confirmation hearings once Congress is back in session.

[Bitwit1234]

6. The problem is they are sanctioned by government and would we

need some kind of admendment to abolish them. I really don't know.

[fenriswolf]

7. recess appointements were created for emergancy

purposes and as a temporary solution. Not a free pass to elect someone to a government position if they cannot pass the will of congress.