WASHINGTON — Blocked for nearly five months by Democratic lawmakers, President Bush on Monday used his power to bypass the confirmation process and named John R. Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations. Within hours, the blunt-spoken diplomat took the oath of office in Washington and headed for New York, where he ended the day on the job.
Bush invoked his constitutional authority to fill an open job while Congress was in recess, instead of trying to resolve a deadlock with senators who had called Bolton unfit for the job; the Democrats had been using a parliamentary maneuver to block a vote on his confirmation.
Under a recess appointment, Bolton can serve until the end of the next Senate session, expected in the late fall of 2006.
"America has now gone more than six months without a permanent ambassador to the United Nations," Bush said at a White House appearance with Bolton and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. "This post is too important to leave vacant any longer, especially during a war and a vital debate about U.N. reform."
Bush's decision to appoint Bolton without a confirmation vote was denounced by Democrats, who predicted it would undermine the diplomat's credibility at the U.N. and create more partisan rancor on Capitol Hill. Bolton's sharp tongue and direct style have alienated some subordinates, but enchanted many conservatives.
"At a time when we need to reassert our diplomatic power in the world, President Bush has decided to send a seriously flawed and weakened candidate to the United Nations," said Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid of Nevada. On Sunday, Sen. Christopher J. Dodd (D-Conn.) called Bolton "damaged goods."
But there were no signs Monday that Democrats would respond to the appointment by taking action against other Bush nominees, such as his choice of John G. Roberts Jr. for the Supreme Court.
The White House said Bush decided over the weekend to proceed with a recess appointment; the Senate completed action on a raft of legislation late Friday and suspended for a five-week summer break. The president is leaving Washington today for his own five-week working vacation at his Texas home.
During the White House ceremony, Bolton, 56, said he intended to do Bush's bidding.
"You have made your directions for U.S. policy at the United Nations clear," Bolton told the president. "I am prepared to work tirelessly to carry out the agenda and initiatives that you and Secretary Rice direct."
