- United States
- Colo.
- Letter
Preserve Senate's advice and consent role for appointments
To: Sen. Hickenlooper, Sen. Bennet
From: A verified voter in Littleton, CO
November 12
It is critical that the Senate upholds its constitutional duty of advice and consent in the federal appointments process. Allowing recess appointments would undermine this vital system of checks and balances and concentrate too much power in the executive branch. The president's nominees must face thorough vetting and earn the Senate's approval through regular order. Recess appointments deprive the Senate of its proper role and prevent full scrutiny of nominees' qualifications and backgrounds. This undemocratic shortcut risks installing unfit or extreme individuals who could not gain Senate confirmation. Our government functions best when all three branches respect their boundaries and work together through established processes. I urge you to reject any proposals to enable recess appointments. Preserving the Senate's constitutional authority over appointments is paramount to maintaining our democratic system of government with its separation of powers. The American people deserve a thorough, transparent nominations process, not a circumvention of proper oversight. Please uphold the Senate's critical advice and consent responsibilities.