Bush Urged To Make Recess Picks

While Congress takes its monthlong break, President Bush is being urged to use his recess appointment powers to name new federal judges. "Bush should make recess appointments," says a key GOP senator.

Republicans are dismayed that the Democrats haven't lived up to a pledge to vote on Bush's judges. Some Democrats have suggested blocking every Bush judicial nominee until he leaves office, a threat several Republicans say will result in a move to fight any judge a succeeding Democratic president might nominate.

By Paul Bedard