Democrats Block Vote On Bolton

Washington Post article:

"The Senate yesterday refused for a second time to confirm John R. Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, prompting his supporters to urge President Bush to bypass Congress and give the controversial nominee a recess appointment, which would last 18 months...........

"Senator Pat Roberts (Republican of Kansas), a Bolton supporter, said a recess appointment 'would weaken not only Mr. Bolton but also the United States' because the international community would see the new ambassador as lacking bipartisan support."

The point is especially important, because it is the Congress, not the Executive Branch of Government that determines appropriations. Thus, if Bolton were to become U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, not only would he be an immediate "lame duck" (since the recess appointment would only last 18 months), but his ability to speak for the United States on budgetary matters would be severely compromised. The Congress would be seen as far more likely to fail to back up financial representations made by an Ambassador it failed to confirm, than one it had confirmed.