By SAM HANANEL, Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — A federal appeals court has ruled that President Barack Obama violated the Constitution when he bypassed the Senate to fill vacancies on a labor relations panel.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit says Obama did not have the power to make recess appointments last year to the National Labor Relations Board.
Obama claims he acted properly because the Senate was away for the holidays. But the court says the Senate technically stayed in session when lawmakers gaveled in and out every few days for so-called “pro forma” sessions.
GOP lawmakers used the tactic specifically to prevent Obama from using his recess power to fill vacancies in an agency they claimed was too pro-union.
The Obama administration is expected to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
A purely political tactic should not be viewed as officially “in session”. If he had gone to the Senate, where were they? That’s not in session.
Outstanding. At least the courts are keeping the King in check.
What else is new….
I’d love a job where you get paid an obscene amount of money for showing up “pro forma”. Where do I apply?
Great. Now nothing will get done.
The best government we could hope for and our wallets.
Fantastic, impeach him before he destroys the Country. Amazing that anyone abides by these dictates.
To Obama, being told that he violated the Constitution is considered a compliment. He’s not a fan.
Impeach Obama and gov Patrick