Appointments

Supreme Court April 28, 2016

Who is Merrick Garland? Fast facts on Obama's Supreme Court nominee

President Obama nominated federal appeals court Judge Merrick Garland Wednesday to fill the Supreme Court vacancy left by the late Justice Antonin Scalia. Here are some details on his background:

Supreme Court April 28, 2016

AG Lynch asks not to be considered for Supreme Court vacancy

Attorney General Loretta Lynch has asked to not be considered for the Supreme Court vacancy “given the urgent issues before the Department of Justice,” a Justice Department official said Tuesday.

Supreme Court April 28, 2016

Biden argued against weighing Supreme Court nomination during 1992 campaign

Senate Republican leaders Monday seized on comments made by Vice President Joe Biden 24 years ago, during which the then-senator from Delaware said the Senate should not consider a Supreme Court nominee during an election year.

Supreme Court April 28, 2016

Senate Republicans easing on blockade of Obama court pick?

Cracks are starting to appear in the Republican wall of opposition to President Obama nominating the next Supreme Court justice, as several prominent senators signal that a hearing -- at least -- could be allowed.

Supreme Court April 28, 2016

Analysis: Obama will find it tough to replace Scalia's political, judicial influence

Congress and the White House are gearing up for what could be a protracted fight over the shaky ideological balance of a mostly conservative Supreme Court, as President Obama prepares to nominate a replacement for the late Justice Antonin Scalia.

Media Buzz April 28, 2016

Scalia, the Senate and the Media: A time for hypocrisy

This is the kind of Washington hypocrisy that should make everyone cringe.

Capitol Attitude February 18, 2016

Republicans have a weapon to stop Obama recess appointment

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., is bent on refusing to consider any nominee President Obama may submit to succeed late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia. And if he doesn’t give ground, Obama may have only one option for an end-run: a recess appointment.

Appointments December 21, 2015

DHS pick denies allegations of helping Clinton's brother, as GOP boycotts hearing

President Obama's nominee for the No. 2 spot at the Homeland Security Department on Thursday "unequivocally" denied allegations that he improperly helped a company run by Hillary Clinton's brother obtain a visa, as Republicans boycotted his confirmation hearing over the matter. 

Appointments December 21, 2015

Senate heads for showdown as Reid demands GOP approve nominees -- or else

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid issued an ultimatum to Republicans on Monday to confirm at least seven presidential appointees or face a controversial rule change that could drain their power. 

Appointments December 21, 2015

Senate confirms turnaround specialist to head IRS

The Senate has voted to confirm President Barack Obama's choice to head the Internal Revenue Service.

State Department December 21, 2015

Obama will nominate Baucus as ambassador to China

President Barack Obama will nominate retiring Sen. Max Baucus of Montana to serve as ambassador to China.