House Passes Bill Eliminating Senate Approval of Presidential Appointments

[WesternDesert]

Friday, 03 August 2012 09:22
House Passes Bill Eliminating Senate Approval of Presidential Appointments
Written by Joe Wolverton, II

By a vote of 261-116, the House of Representatives passed a bill rewriting Article II of the Constitution and divesting the Senate of the power to accept or reject the appointment of many presidential nominees.

Last year, the Senate passed the measure by a vote of 79-20, so it now goes to the desk of President Obama for his signature.

"Important positions will be filled faster, government agencies will be more capable of offering valuable services to their constituents, and the overall confirmation process will be more efficient,” said Senator Joseph Lieberman (I-Conn.), chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.

Dozens of key management positions in the Departments of Agriculture, Defense, Commerce, and Homeland Security (including the treasurer of the United States, the deputy administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, the director of the Office for Domestic Preparedness, and the assistant administrator of FEMA) will now be filled by presidential edict, without the need of the “advice and consent” of the Senate, a phrase specifically removed from the process in the text of the bill.

Although the House vote occurred on Tuesday, the Senate voted to surrender its constitutional check on the executive over a year ago on June 29, 2011.

Despite a last-minute attempt by some House leaders to put the measure to a voice vote, thus allowing members to vote in favor of the legislation without being listed on the record, a roll call vote was taken, and the name of every congressman who voted to unconstitutionally neuter the legislative branch is listed.

The process began last March when Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and 15 cosponsors, including Republicans Lamar Alexander (Tenn.); Scott Brown (Mass.); and Mitch McConnell (Ky.), introduced S. 679, the “Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act.” The measure struck from many current laws the “advice and consent” requirement for many executive branch appointments, giving the president unchecked power to fill key administration positions.

In a memo sent to Capitol Hill in advance of Tuesday’s vote in the House, Thomas McClusky of the Family Research Council reminded lawmakers, “The United States Constitution does not bestow kingly powers on the President to appoint the senior officers of the government with no process.”

Although McClusky’s reading of the Constitution is accurate, as of Tuesday it is no longer the law of the land. According to proponents of the measure, the bill benefitted from such strong bipartisan support (95 Republicans joined 166 Democrats voting in favor of passage) because its sole purpose is to relieve the backlog of unconfirmed appointees by eliminating the confirmation requirement for about 200 offices.

The process by which heads of executive branch departments are appointed and confirmed is set forth by Article II, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution. The “Appointments Clause” provides that the president:

shall nominate, and by and with the Advice and Consent of the Senate, shall appoint Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls, Judges of the supreme Court, and all other Officers of the United States, whose Appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by Law: but the Congress may by Law vest the Appointment of such inferior Officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the Courts of Law, or in the Heads of Departments.

Now, as soon as President Obama adds his signature to the bill, the checks and balances established by our Founding Fathers as a protection against tyranny will be eliminated, as well as the concept of enumerated powers.

This history of the delicate system created by our Founders was synopsized in an article published by the Heritage Foundation:

When the delegates of the states gathered in Philadelphia in the summer of 1787 and wrote the Constitution, they distributed the powers of the federal government among two Houses of Congress, a President, and a judiciary, and required in many cases that two of them work together to exercise a particular constitutional power. That separation of powers protects the liberties of the American people by preventing any one officer of the government from aggregating too much power.

The Framers of the Constitution did not give the President the kingly power to appoint the senior officers of the government by himself. Instead, they allowed the President to name an individual for a senior office, but then required the President to obtain the Senate’s consent before appointing the individual to office. Thus, they required the cooperation of the President and the Senate to put someone in high office.

Many of the Framers had practical experience with government and recognized that not every office would be of sufficient authority and consequence as to merit the attention of both the President and the Senate to an appointment to the office. Therefore, they provided a means by which the Congress by law could decide which of the lesser offices of government could be filled by the President alone, a court, or a department head.

The Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act removes these barriers between the branches and shifts the powers of appointment in such a way that the very foundation of our Republic is weakened under the crushing weight of a powerful executive branch.

In light of this impending imbalance, it must be inquired as to what could compel Congress to legislate away its own power? Why would so many representatives in the Senate and the House willingly abolish their role as bulwark against executive despotism?

Arguably, the answer is a desire to reduce its workload and improve the efficiency of government.

To the minds of many, however, the trade of rightful power for a more streamlined appointment process is a ripoff. As the Heritage Foundation says:

The Congress should not reduce the number of Senate-confirmed appointments as a means of dealing with its cumbersome and inefficient internal process for considering nominations. Doing so gives away Senate influence over a number of significant appointments, does nothing to improve the Senate process, and still leaves nominees whose offices require nominations mired in the Senate process. The proper solution to the problem of a slow Senate is to speed up the Senate rather than to diminish the role of the Senate. The Senate should look inward and streamline its internal procedures for considering all nominations. The proper solution also is the faster one, as the Senate can accomplish the solution by acting on its own in the exercise of its power to make Senate rules, while S. 679 requires approval by both Houses of Congress.

Assuming for the sake of argument that there is a bottleneck in the nomination and confirmation pipeline, one solution is for the executive and legislative branches to work within the framework of the Constitution’s separation of powers to remove the blockage.

Alternatively, however, the Congress could eliminate the problem altogether by reducing the size of the bureaucracy by absolutely refusing to sign off on the creation or continuation of any department, program, or agency that isn’t specifically authorized by the powers granted by the states to the federal government in the Constitution. Such a commitment to be bound by the Constitution would significantly reduce the number of executive branch offices for which appointments would be necessary, thereby dissolving the confirmation clog.

http://www.thenewamerican.com/usnews...s-appointments

[Ayatollahgondola]

Welcome to SOS

I thought for sure this measure would fail, but I was wrong apparently. I don't get why so many voted yes on this when both parties executives' appointments have been a source of friction for decades. Add to that the whole "Czar" issue, and it becomes baffling. But....they've sold us out before, for less
We'll be on our own soon I think, as after surrendering the power of the houses little by little, what's left will not be able to stand against anything soon

[ilbegone]

He shall have power, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, to make treaties, provided two thirds of the Senators present concur; and he shall nominate, and by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, judges of the Supreme Court, and all other officers of the United States, whose appointments are not herein otherwise provided for, and which shall be established by law: but the Congress may by law vest the appointment of such inferior officers, as they think proper, in the President alone, in the courts of law, or in the heads of departments.

http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/articleii

I was thinking that there needs to be an amendment, but here it is.

If this is true, we have been sold out.

[ilbegone]

S.679

One Hundred Twelfth Congress

of the

United States of America

AT THE SECOND SESSION

Begun and held at the City of Washington on Tuesday,

the third day of January, two thousand and twelve

An Act

To reduce the number of executive positions subject to Senate confirmation.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ‘Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act of 2011’.

SEC. 2. PRESIDENTIAL APPOINTMENTS NOT SUBJECT TO SENATE APPROVAL.

(a) Agriculture-

(1) ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE FOR ADMINISTRATION- Section 218(b) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6918(b)) is amended--

(A) by striking ‘subsection (a)’ and inserting ‘paragraph (1) or (3) of subsection (a)’;

(B) by striking subsection (c); and

(C) by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (c).

(2) RURAL UTILITIES SERVICE ADMINISTRATOR- Section 232(b)(1) of the Department of Agriculture Reorganization Act of 1994 (7 U.S.C. 6942(b)(1)) is amended--

(A) by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’;

(B) by striking paragraph (2); and

(C) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (2).

(3) COMMODITY CREDIT CORPORATION- Section 9(a) of the Commodity Credit Corporation Charter Act (15 U.S.C. 714g(a)) is amended in the third sentence by striking ‘by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(b) Commerce-

(1) CHIEF SCIENTIST; NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION- Section 2(d) of Reorganization Plan No. 4 of 1970 (5 U.S.C. App. 1) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,’.

(c) Department of Defense-

(1) ASSISTANT SECRETARIES OF DEFENSE-

(A) IN GENERAL- Section 138(a)(1) of title 10, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘16’ and inserting ‘14’.

(B) ADMINISTRATION OF REDUCTION- The Assistant Secretary of Defense positions eliminated in accordance with the reduction in numbers required by the amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall be--

(i) the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration; and

(ii) the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs.

(C) CONTINUED SERVICE OF INCUMBENTS- Notwithstanding the requirements of this paragraph, any individual serving in a position described under subparagraph (B) on the date of the enactment of this Act may continue to serve in such position without regard to the limitation imposed by the amendment in subparagraph (A).

(D) PLAN FOR SUCCESSOR POSITIONS- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall report to the congressional defense committees on his plan for successor positions, not subject to Senate confirmation, for the positions eliminated in accordance with the requirements of this paragraph.

(2) MEMBERS OF NATIONAL SECURITY EDUCATION BOARD- Section 803(b)(7) of the David L. Boren National Security Education Act of 1991 (50 U.S.C. 1903(b)(7)) is amended by striking ‘by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,’.

(3) DIRECTOR OF SELECTIVE SERVICE- Section 10(a)(3) of the Selective Service Act of 1948 (50 U.S.C. App. 460(a)(3)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(d) Department of Education-

(1) ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT- Section 202(e) of the Department of Education Organization Act (20 U.S.C. 3412(e)) is amended by inserting after the first sentence the following: ‘Notwithstanding the previous sentence, the appointments of individuals to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Management shall not be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.’.

(2) COMMISSIONER, EDUCATION STATISTICS- Section 117(b) of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9517(b)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,’.

(e) Department of Health and Human Services-

(1) ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the appointment of an individual to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs within the Department of Health and Human Services shall not be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

(f) Department of Homeland Security-

(1) DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE FOR DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS; ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE FEDERAL EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AGENCY, GRANT PROGRAMS- Section 430(b) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 238(b)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(2) ADMINISTRATOR OF THE UNITED STATES FIRE ADMINISTRATION- Section 5(b) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2204(b)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,’.

(3) DIRECTOR OF THE OFFICE OF COUNTERNARCOTICS ENFORCEMENT- Section 878(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 458(a)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(4) CHIEF MEDICAL OFFICER- Section 516(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 321e(a)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(5) ASSISTANT SECRETARIES- Section 103(a) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 113(a) is amended--

(A) by striking ‘There’ and inserting ‘(1) IN GENERAL- Except as provided under paragraph (2), there’;

(B) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (10) as subparagraphs (A) through (J), respectively; and

(C) by adding at the end the following:

‘(2) ASSISTANT SECRETARIES- If any of the Assistant Secretaries referred to under paragraph (1)(I) is designated to be the Assistant Secretary for Health Affairs, the Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs, or the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, that Assistant Secretary shall be appointed by the President without the advice and consent of the Senate.’.

(g) Housing and Urban Development; Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs- Section 4(a) of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act (42 U.S.C. 3533(a)) is amended--

(1) by inserting ‘(1)’ after ‘(a)’;

(2) by striking ‘eight’ and inserting ‘7’; and

(3) by adding at the end the following:

‘(2) There shall be in the Department an Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, who shall be appointed by the President and shall perform such functions, powers, and duties as the Secretary shall prescribe from time to time.’.

(h) Department of Justice-

(1) DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF JUSTICE STATISTICS- Section 302(b) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3732(b)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(2) DIRECTOR, BUREAU OF JUSTICE ASSISTANCE- Section 401(b) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3741(b)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(3) DIRECTOR, NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE- Section 202(b) of title I of the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 3722(b)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(4) ADMINISTRATOR, OFFICE OF JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY PREVENTION- Section 201(b) of the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5611(b)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,’.

(5) DIRECTOR, OFFICE FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME- Section 1411(b) of the Victims of Crime Act of 1984 (42 U.S.C. 10605(b)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(i) Department of Labor-

(1) ASSISTANT SECRETARIES FOR ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS- Notwithstanding section 2 of the Act of April 17, 1946 (29 U.S.C. 553), the appointment of individuals to serve as the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Management and the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs within the Department of Labor, shall not be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

(2) DIRECTOR OF THE WOMEN’S BUREAU- Section 2 of the Act of June 5, 1920 (29 U.S.C. 12) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(j) Department of State; Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and Assistant Secretary for Administration- Section 1(c)(1) of the State Department Basic Authorities Act of 1956 (22 U.S.C. 2651a(c)(1)) is amended--

(1) by striking ‘, each of whom shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and’; and

(2) by adding at the end the following: ‘Each Assistant Secretary of State shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, except that the appointments of the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs and the Assistant Secretary for Administration shall not be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.’.

(k) Department of Transportation-

(1) ASSISTANT SECRETARIES- Section 102(e) of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

(A) by striking ‘(e) THE DEPARTMENT’ and all that follows through ‘An Assistant Secretary’ and inserting the following:

‘(e) Assistant Secretaries; General Counsel-

‘(1) APPOINTMENT- The Department has 5 Assistant Secretaries and a General Counsel, including--

‘(A) an Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, an Assistant Secretary for Governmental Affairs, and an Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, who shall each be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate;

‘(B) an Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs who shall be appointed by the President;

‘(C) an Assistant Secretary for Administration, who shall be appointed by the Secretary, with the approval of the President; and

‘(D) a General Counsel, who shall be appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate.

‘(2) DUTIES AND POWERS- The officers set forth in paragraph (1) shall carry out duties and powers prescribed by the Secretary. An Assistant Secretary’.

(2) DEPUTY ADMINISTRATOR, FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION- Section 106 of title 49, United States Code, is amended--

(A) in subsection (b), by striking ‘. The Administration has a Deputy Administrator. They are appointed’ and inserting ‘, who shall be appointed’; and

(B) in subsection (d)(1), by striking ‘The Deputy Administrator must’ and inserting ‘The Administration has a Deputy Administrator, who shall be appointed by the President. In making an appointment, the President shall consider the fitness of the appointee to efficiently carry out the duties and powers of the office. The Deputy Administrator shall’.

(l) Department of the Treasury-

(1) ASSISTANT SECRETARIES FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS AND MANAGEMENT- Section 301(e) of title 31, United States Code, is amended--

(A) by striking ‘10 Assistant Secretaries’ and inserting ‘8 Assistant Secretaries’; and

(B) by inserting ‘The Department shall have 2 Assistant Secretaries not subject to the advice and consent of the Senate who shall be the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, and the Assistant Secretary for Management.’ after the first sentence.

(2) TREASURER OF THE UNITED STATES- Section 301(d) of title 31, United States Code, is amended--

(A) by striking ‘2 Deputy Under Secretaries, and a Treasurer of the United States’ and inserting ‘and 2 Deputy Under Secretaries’, and

(B) by inserting ‘and a Treasurer of the United States appointed by the President’ after ‘Fiscal Assistant Secretary appointed by the Secretary’.

(m) Department of Veterans Affairs- Section 308(a) of title 38, United States Code, is amended--

(1) by striking ‘There shall’ and inserting ‘(1) There shall’;

(2) in paragraph (1), as designated by paragraph (1) of this subsection, by striking ‘Each Assistant’ and all that follows through the period at the end; and

(3) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:

‘(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), each Assistant Secretary appointed under paragraph (1) shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

‘(3) The following Assistant Secretaries may be appointed without the advice and consent of the Senate:

‘(A) The Assistant Secretary for Management.

‘(B) The Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration.

‘(C) The Assistant Secretary for Public and Intergovernmental Affairs.

‘(D) The Assistant Secretary for Operations, Security, and Preparedness.’.

(n) Appalachian Regional Commission; Alternate Federal Co-Chairman- Section 14301(b)(2) of title 40, United States Code, is amended by striking ‘by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(o) Council of Economic Advisers, Members- Section 10 of the Employment Act of 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1023) is amended by striking subsection (a) and inserting the following:

‘(a) Creation; Composition; Qualifications; Chairman and Vice Chairman-

‘(1) CREATION- There is created in the Executive Office of the President a Council of Economic Advisers (hereinafter called the ‘Council’).

‘(2) COMPOSITION- The Council shall be composed of three members, of whom--

‘(A) 1 shall be the chairman who shall be appointed by the President by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and

‘(B) 2 shall be appointed by the President.

‘(3) QUALIFICATIONS- Each member shall be a person who, as a result of training, experience, and attainments, is exceptionally qualified to analyze and interpret economic developments, to appraise programs and activities of the Government in the light of the policy declared in section 2, and to formulate and recommend national economic policy to promote full employment, production, and purchasing power under free competitive enterprise.

‘(4) VICE CHAIRMAN- The President shall designate 1 of the members of the Council as vice chairman, who shall act as chairman in the absence of the chairman.’.

(p) Corporation for National and Community Service; Managing Director- Section 194(a)(1) of the National and Community Service Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 12651e(a)(1)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(q) National Council on Disability Members- Section 400(a)(1)(A) of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. 780(a)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(r) National Foundation on the Arts and the Humanities; National Museum and Library Services Board; Members- Section 207(b)(1) of the Museum and Library Services Act (20 U.S.C. 9105a(b)(1)) is amended--

(1) in subparagraph (D), by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’; and

(2) in subparagraph (E), by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(s) National Science Foundation; Board Members- Section 4(a) of the National Science Foundation Act of 1950 (42 U.S.C. 1863(a)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,’.

(t) Office of National Drug Control Policy; Deputy Directors- Section 704(a)(1) of the Office of National Drug Control Policy Reauthorization Act of 1998 (21 U.S.C. 1703(a)(1)) is amended to read as follows:

‘(1) IN GENERAL-

‘(A) DIRECTOR- The Director shall be appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall serve at the pleasure of the President.

‘(B) DEPUTY DIRECTORS- The Deputy Director of National Drug Control Policy, Deputy Director for Demand Reduction, the Deputy Director for Supply Reduction, and the Deputy Director for State, Local, and Tribal Affairs shall each be appointed by the President and serve at the pleasure of the President.

‘(C) DEPUTY DIRECTOR FOR DEMAND REDUCTION- In appointing the Deputy Director for Demand Reduction under this paragraph, the President shall take into consideration the scientific, educational, or professional background of the individual, and whether the individual has experience in the fields of substance abuse prevention, education, or treatment.’.

(u) Office of Navajo and Hopi Relocation; Commissioner- Section 12(b)(1) of Public Law 93-531 (25 U.S.C. 640d-11(b)(1)) is amended by striking ‘by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(v) United States Agency for International Development-

(1) ASSISTANT ADMINISTRATOR FOR MANAGEMENT- Notwithstanding section 624(a) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2384(a)), the appointment by the President of the Assistant Administrator for Management at the United States Agency for International Development shall not be subject to the advice and consent of the Senate.

(w) Community Development Financial Institution Fund; Administrator- Section 104(b)(1) of the Community Development Banking and Financial Institutions Act of 1994 (12 U.S.C. 4703(b)(1)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(x) Department of Transportation; St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation; Administrator- Subsection (a) of section 2 of the Act of May 13, 1954, referred to as the Saint Lawrence Seaway Act (33 U.S.C. 982(a)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for a term of seven years’.

(y) Mississippi River Commission; Commissioner- Section 2 of the Act of June 28, 1879 (33 U.S.C. 642), is amended in the first sentence by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate,’.

(z) Governor and Alternate Governor of the African Development Bank-

(1) IN GENERAL- Section 1333 of the African Development Bank Act (22 U.S.C. 290i-1) is amended--

(A) by redesignating subsections (b) and (c) as subsections (c) and (d), respectively; and

(B) by striking ‘(a) The President’ and all that follows through ‘The term of office’ and inserting the following:

‘(a) The President shall appoint a Governor and an Alternate Governor of the Bank--

‘(1) by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; or

‘(2) from among individuals serving as officials required by law to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

‘(b) The term of office’.

(2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS- Section 1334 of such Act (22 U.S.C. 290i-2) is amended--

(A) by striking ‘The Director or Alternate Director’ and inserting the following:

‘(b) The Director or Alternate Director’; and

(B) by inserting before subsection (b), as redesignated, the following:

‘(a) The President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, shall appoint a Director of the Bank.’.

(aa) Governor and Alternate Governor of the Asian Development Bank- Section 3(a) of the Asian Development Bank Act (22 U.S.C. 285a(a)) is amended to read as follows:

‘(a) The President shall appoint--

‘(1) a Governor of the Bank and an alternate for the Governor--

‘(A) by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; or

‘(B) from among individuals serving as officials required by law to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and

‘(2) a Director of the Bank, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.’.

(bb) Governor and Alternate Governor of the African Development Fund- Section 203(a) of the African Development Fund Act (22 U.S.C. 290g-1(a)) is amended to read as follows:

‘(a) The President shall appoint a Governor, and an Alternate Governor, of the Fund--

‘(1) by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; or

‘(2) from among individuals serving as officials required by law to be appointed by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.’.

(cc) National Board for Education Sciences; Members- Section 116(c)(1) of the Education Sciences Reform Act of 2002 (20 U.S.C. 9516(c)(1)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(dd) National Institute for Literacy Advisory Board; Members- Section 242(e)(1)(A) of the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (20 U.S.C. 9252(e)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ‘with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(ee) Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development; Member, Board of Trustees- Section 1505 of the American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian Culture and Art Development Act (20 U.S.C. 4412(a)(1)(A)) is amended by striking ‘by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(ff) Public Health Service Commissioned Officer Corps-

(1) APPOINTMENT- Section 203(a)(3) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 204(a)(3)) is amended by striking ‘with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(2) PROMOTIONS- Section 210(a) of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 211(a)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(gg) National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps-

(1) APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS TO PERMANENT GRADES- Section 226 of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Commissioned Officer Corps Act of 2002 (33 U.S.C. 3026) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(2) POSITIONS OF IMPORTANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY- Section 228(d)(1) of such Act (33 U.S.C. 3028(d)(1)) is amended by striking ‘, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate’.

(3) TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS GENERALLY- Section 229 of such Act (33 U.S.C. 3029) is amended--

(A) by striking ‘alone’ each place it appears; and

(B) in subsection (a), in the second sentence, by striking ‘unless the Senate sooner gives its advice and consent to the appointment’.

(hh) Rule of Construction- Notwithstanding section 3132(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code, removal of Senate confirmation for any position in this section shall not--

(1) result in any such position being placed in the Senior Executive Service; or

(2) alter compensation for any such position under the Executive Schedule or other applicable compensation provisions of law.

SEC. 3. APPOINTMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF THE CENSUS.

(a) In General- Section 21 of the title 13, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

-‘Sec. 21. Director of the Census; duties

‘(a) Appointment-

‘(1) IN GENERAL- The Bureau shall be headed by a Director of the Census, appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, without regard to political affiliation.

‘(2) QUALIFICATIONS- Such appointment shall be made from individuals who have a demonstrated ability in managing large organizations and experience in the collection, analysis, and use of statistical data.

‘(b) Term of Office-

‘(1) IN GENERAL- The term of office of the Director shall be 5 years, and shall begin on January 1, 2012, and every fifth year thereafter. An individual may not serve more than 2 full terms as Director.

‘(2) VACANCIES- Any individual appointed to fill a vacancy in such position, occurring before the expiration of the term for which such individual’s predecessor was appointed, shall be appointed for the remainder of that term. The Director may serve after the end of the Director’s term until reappointed or until a successor has been appointed, but in no event longer than 1 year after the end of such term.

‘(3) REMOVAL- An individual serving as Director may be removed from office by the President. The President shall communicate in writing the reasons for any such removal to both Houses of Congress not later than 60 days before the removal.

‘(4) PERSONNEL ACTIONS- Except as provided under paragraph (3), nothing in this subsection shall prohibit a personnel action otherwise authorized by law with respect to the Director of the Census, other than removal.

‘(c) Duties- The Director shall perform such duties as may be imposed upon the Director by law, regulations, or orders of the Secretary.’.

(b) Transition Rules-

(1) APPOINTMENT OF INITIAL DIRECTOR- The initial Director of the Bureau of the Census shall be appointed in accordance with the provisions of section 21(a) of title 13, United States Code, as amended by subsection (a).

(2) INTERIM ROLE OF CURRENT DIRECTOR OF THE CENSUS AFTER DATE OF ENACTMENT- If, as of January 1, 2012, the initial Director of the Bureau of the Census has not taken office, the officer serving on December 31, 2011, as Director of the Census (or Acting Director of the Census, if applicable) in the Department of Commerce--

(A) shall serve as the Director of the Bureau of the Census; and

(B) shall assume the powers and duties of such Director for one term beginning January 1, 2012, as described in section 21(b) of such title, as so amended.

(c) Technical and Conforming Amendments- Not later than January 1, 2012, the Secretary of Commerce, in consultation with the Director of the Census, shall submit to each House of the Congress draft legislation containing any technical and conforming amendments to title 13, United States Code, and any other provisions which may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

SEC. 4. WORKING GROUP ON STREAMLINING PAPERWORK FOR EXECUTIVE NOMINATIONS.

(a) Establishment- There is established the Working Group on Streamlining Paperwork for Executive Nominations (in this section referred to as the ‘Working Group’).

(b) Membership-

(1) COMPOSITION- The Working Group shall be composed of--

(A) the chairperson who shall be--

(i) except as provided under clause (ii), the Director of the Office of Presidential Personnel; or

(ii) a Federal officer designated by the President;

(B) representatives designated by the President from--

(i) the Office of Personnel Management;

(ii) the Office of Government Ethics; and

(iii) the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and

(C) individuals appointed by the chairperson of the Working Group who have experience and expertise relating to the Working Group, including--

(i) individuals from other relevant Federal agencies; and

(ii) individuals with relevant experience from previous presidential administrations.

(c) Streamlining of Paperwork Required for Executive Nominations-

(1) IN GENERAL- Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall conduct a study and submit a report on the streamlining of paperwork required for executive nominations to--

(A) the President;

(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and

(C) the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.

(2) CONSULTATION WITH COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE- In conducting the study under this section, the Working Group shall consult with the chairperson and ranking member of the committees referred to under paragraph (1) (B) and (C).

(3) CONTENTS-

(A) IN GENERAL- The report submitted under this section shall include--

(i) recommendations for the streamlining of paperwork required for executive nominations; and

(ii) a detailed plan for the creation and implementation of an electronic system for collecting and distributing background information from potential and actual Presidential nominees for positions which require appointment by and with the advice and consent of the Senate.

(B) ELECTRONIC SYSTEM- The electronic system described under subparagraph (A)(ii) shall--

(i) provide for--

(I) less burden on potential nominees for positions which require appointment by and with the advice and consent of the Senate;

(II) faster delivery of background information to Congress, the White House, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Diplomatic Security, and the Office of Government Ethics; and

(III) fewer errors of omission; and

(ii) ensure the existence and operation of a single, searchable form which shall be known as a ‘Smart Form’ and shall--

(I) be free to a nominee and easy to use;

(II) make it possible for the nominee to answer all vetting questions one way, at a single time;

(III) secure the information provided by a nominee;

(IV) allow for multiple submissions over time, but always in the format requested by the vetting agency or entity;

(V) be compatible across different computer platforms;

(VI) make it possible to easily add, modify, or subtract vetting questions;

(VII) allow error checking; and

(VIII) allow the user to track the progress of a nominee in providing the required information.

(d) Review of Background Investigation Requirements-

(1) IN GENERAL- The Working Group shall conduct a review of the impact of background investigation requirements on the appointments process.

(2) CONDUCT OF REVIEW- In conducting the review, the Working Group shall--

(A) assess the feasibility of using personnel other than Federal Bureau of Investigation personnel, in appropriate circumstances, to conduct background investigations of individuals under consideration for positions appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate; and

(B) consider the extent to which the scope of the background investigation conducted for an individual under consideration for a position appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, should be varied depending on the nature of the position for which the individual is being considered.

(3) REPORT- Not later than 270 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Working Group shall submit a report of the findings of the review under this subsection to--

(A) the President;

(B) the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate; and

(C) the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate.

(e) Personnel Matters-

(1) COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS-

(A) FEDERAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES- Each member of the Working Group who is a Federal officer or employee shall serve without compensation in addition to that received for their services as a Federal officer or employee.

(B) MEMBERS NOT FEDERAL OFFICERS AND EMPLOYEES- Each member of the Working Group who is not a Federal officer or employee shall not be compensated for services performed for the Working Group.

(2) TRAVEL EXPENSES- The members of the Working Group shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the Working Group.

(3) STAFF-

(A) IN GENERAL- The President may designate Federal officers and employees to provide support services for the Working Group.

(B) DETAIL OF FEDERAL EMPLOYEES- Any Federal employee may be detailed to the Working Group without reimbursement, and such detail shall be without interruption or loss of civil service status or privilege.

(f) Non-Applicability of Federal Advisory Committee Act- The Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Working Group established under this section.

(g) Termination of the Working Group- The Working Group shall terminate 60 days after the date on which the Working Group submits the latter of the 2 reports under this section.

SEC. 5. REPORT ON PRESIDENTIALLY APPOINTED POSITIONS.

(a) Definitions- In this section--

(1) the term ‘agency’ means an Executive agency defined under section 105 of title 5, United States Code; and

(2) the term ‘covered position’ means a position in an agency that requires appointment by the President without the advice and consent of the Senate.

(b) In General- Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Government Accountability Office shall conduct a study and submit a report on covered positions to Congress and the President.

(c) Contents- The report submitted under this section shall include--

(1) a determination of the number of covered positions in each agency;

(2) an evaluation of whether maintaining the total number of covered positions is necessary;

(3) an evaluation of the benefits and disadvantages of--

(A) eliminating certain covered positions;

(B) converting certain covered positions to career positions or positions in the Senior Executive Service that are not career reserved positions; and

(C) converting any categories of covered positions to career positions;

(4) the identification of--

(A) covered positions described under paragraph (3)(A) and (B); and

(B) categories of covered positions described under paragraph (3)(C); and

(5) any other recommendations relating to covered positions.

SEC. 6. EFFECTIVE DATE.

(a) Presidential Appointments Not Subject to Senate Approval- The amendments made by section 2 shall take effect 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act and apply to appointments made on and after that effective date, including any nomination pending in the Senate on that date.

(b) Director of the Census and Working Group- The provisions of sections 3 and 4 (including any amendments made by those sections) shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act.

Speaker of the House of Representatives.

Vice President of the United States and

President of the Senate

http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/112/s679/text

[wetibbe]

That has to be one of the more stupid ideas yet. One step closer to Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.

Now the usurper in Chief will flood the bureaucracy faster with more Communists, Marxists and left liberals than ever. Sometimes I wonder if it makes any difference who is appointed. It seems that most are practically worthless anyway.

Alan West said there were 80 Communists in Congress !

This is August. September, October then November, armageddon or salvation.

[Ayatollahgondola]

Originally Posted by wetibbe

That has to be one of the more stupid ideas yet. One step closer to Venezuela's Hugo Chavez.

Now the usurper in Chief will flood the bureaucracy faster with more Communists, Marxists and left liberals than ever. Sometimes I wonder if it makes any difference who is appointed. It seems that most are practically worthless anyway.

Alan West said there were 80 Communists in Congress !

This is August. September, October then November, armageddon or salvation.

This is a great idea; for dictatorships
What these power lusting entities are doing is consolidating power. In confusion, it's the executive branch that dominates. That especially opportune in a crisis. These senators that voted for that....not all of them mind you, but enough of them, are loyal to a shadow government or entity within. This is a chess move to prepare their ascent to a more powerful position for a time that might be coming sooner or later.

[usa today]

Nice to see you here WD ,

This has to be in the top 5 bonehead deals these idiots in Washington have pulled for quite a while.
Not that it mattered , they usually rubber stamp any commie, anarchist, la raza or liberal nutjob anyway. If not the Bomba just puts them in on a recess appointment.

In reality , this isn't going to change anything. Just another "paper" balance of power "protection" to be used in the congressional toilet.