1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about discussion of potential recess appointments to bypass the constitutionally-mandated Senate confirmation process for cabinet members and other high-level executive branch officials. The advice and consent role of the Senate serves as an essential check on executive power and ensures thorough vetting of nominees. Circumventing this process would be an unprecedented move that undermines constitutional norms and principles of democratic accountability. While the President has the authority to make recess appointments, doing so for cabinet positions would deprive the public of necessary scrutiny over individuals who will wield immense power and influence over vital policy areas impacting all Americans. Public hearings allow probing of nominees' qualifications, ethics, and policy views. Recess appointments would shut out this critical oversight. If this path is taken, it will not only weaken our institutional guardrails in the short term, but also legitimize the same tactic being deployed by future administrations of either party when the political winds shift. This would continue eroding checks and balances, concentrating even more power in the executive branch unchecked by the elected representatives of the people. I urge you to reject any attempt at recess appointments for cabinet and other senior roles. Upholding the Senate's advice and consent duties is essential for preserving our democratic norms and separation of powers. The American people deserve full transparency over the individuals being chosen for such consequential positions of public trust.