Reid, White House reach deal on nominees

REID, WHITE HOUSE REACH DEAL ON NOMINEES
[SOURCE: The Hill, AUTHOR: Manu Raju]
Senate Democrats and the White House reached a deal early Friday morning on moving a host of President Bush's nominees. In exchange for President Bush’s help in moving five Democratic nominees to federal agencies and boards, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) agreed to act on 40 Republican nominees. The breakthrough came after Reid and White House chief of staff Josh Bolten had a “positive” meeting earlier Thursday, but could not reach an agreement. Democratic and White House aides continued to hold talks and reached a deal as the Senate finished its work on a budget blueprint well past midnight. The Senate confirmed dozens of executive branch nominees early Friday morning. Despite the agreement, Democrats did not win assurances that Bush would not install some controversial nominees during the Senate’s recess, including Steven Bradbury to head the Office of Legal Counsel at the Justice Department. The Senate will still hold periodic “pro forma” sessions over the next two weeks when lawmakers return to their home states for recess. Even though no legislative activity occurs, the pro forma sessions allow the chamber to stay in session, thereby preventing the president from using his constitutional authority to make recess appointments.
http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/reid-white-house-reach-deal-on-nomin...

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