Republican Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina has strongly voiced his opposition to the idea of allowing President-elect Donald Trump to make recess appointments without going through the full Senate confirmation process. Tillis emphasized that such a move would be a 'huge mistake' and would undermine the Senate's constitutional authority of advice and consent.
Tillis, who is part of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell's leadership team, highlighted that nominees appointed during a recess would be at a disadvantage due to their 'acting' status. He pointed out that serious candidates for Cabinet-level positions would prefer to undergo the full confirmation process rather than be appointed during a recess.
Furthermore, Tillis dismissed the likelihood of recess appointments happening, suggesting that Trump's statements were more about pressuring senators to expedite the confirmation of his cabinet nominees. He explained that recess-appointed individuals do not possess the same authority as those who have been Senate-confirmed.
One significant drawback Tillis mentioned was that recess appointees are not entitled to receive payment by statute. Additionally, he highlighted that being a recess appointee could diminish one's credibility, especially in roles involving international relations. Tillis stressed that Senate confirmation holds more weight and legitimacy compared to appointments made without the Senate's consent.
Regarding the possibility of Trump attempting to force Congress into a recess to make appointments, Tillis expressed confidence that such a move would face legal challenges and likely be taken to the Supreme Court. He believed that the appointments made during such circumstances would not withstand legal scrutiny.
In conclusion, Senator Tillis's firm stance against recess appointments for the incoming Trump administration underscores the importance of upholding the Senate's role in the confirmation process and ensuring the credibility and authority of appointed officials.
