On the recordFebruary 2, 2012
These so-called recess appointments were unlawful because there was no legitimate recess in which they could be made. There are many disagreements about policy and political issues. That is to be expected. But the integrity of our system of government requires that even the President must, as he said in the State of the Union Address, play by the rules. President Obama broke the rules in order to install the individuals he wanted. That action weakened the Constitution, our system of checks and balances, as well as both the Senate and the Presidency. Madam President, I suggest the absence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
