Perhaps in response to Obama's threat of making recess appointments for some of the 177 nominees still waiting for a vote, the Senate pushed through 27 of the non-controversial nominees who've been waiting.
There's still some pressure for Obama to recess appoint some of the controversial nominees, including the NLRB nominee Craig Becker, who's nomination was rejected earlier this week with Ben Nelson and Lincoln joining the Republican filibuster. His nomination remains a high priority for labor.
Another high priority nominees is Dawn Johnsen to head up the Office of Legal Counsel, and she's another nominee opposed by Ben Nelson because she was once legal director for NARAL. This week the Senate Judiciary Committee put off another confirmation vote for her. But Leahy has raised the possibility of a recess appointment for her.
Johnsen's nomination was stalled in the Senate all of last year, forcing President Obama to renominate her this year. The Judiciary Committee has already approved her nomination once. Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy put off consideration of her nomination after Republicans indicated they wanted to speak against her. Most Republican members were missing because of the snow storm that has left the federal government shut down for four days.
Leahy said he has not spoken with the Obama administration about a possible recess appointment for Johnsen. When asked if the Obama administration should bypass the Senate with Johnsen's appointment, he said: "It should probably be one they would."
There are plenty of high profile and important nominees that have been waiting for far too long for their appointments. Becker and Johnsen have to be at the top of the list. It might be that the 27 appointments confirmed today will be enough to mollify Obama. But hopefully recess appointments are still on the table, and Johnsen and Becker are on the list.