Bush makes Bolton recess appointment to U.N.

By Tom Strode - Aug 15, 2005

President Bush declined to wait any longer on the Senate and appointed John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations Aug. 1.

Bush’s decision to make the former under-secretary at the State Department a recess appointment shortly after the start of a congressional break means Senate confirmation will not be required. Under a provision in the U.S. Constitution, Bolton, whose nomination was filibustered by Democrats, will be able to serve as a recess appointment until January 2007, when the next session of Congress begins.

“This post is too important to leave vacant any longer, especially during a war and a vital debate about U.N. reform,” Bush said in announcing Bolton’s appointment nearly five months after he nominated him. Bolton has “my complete confidence,” the President said. “His mission now is to help the U.N. reform itself to renew its founding promises for the 21st century.”

In a May 26 roll call, 53 Republicans and three Democrats voted to invoke cloture but fell four votes short of the 60 needed to end the filibuster.

Conservatives strongly supported Bolton, agreeing with his advocacy for the spread of democracy and for U.N. reform, as well as his criticism of oppressive regimes. Most Democrats in the Senate withheld support for Bolton. They charged him with mistreating subordinates and misusing intelligence. Democrats leading the opposition also said they blocked confirmation in order to gain information on Bolton the White House refused to release.

“The President’s decision to appoint John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the U.N. makes good sense,” said Barrett Duke, vice president of public policy for the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission. “Mr. Bolton is tough-minded and focused. He will insist on reform and accountability at the United Nations, both of which are desperately needed at the organization. I look forward to hearing of the significant contributions he makes at the U.N.”

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