Senate’s abuse of filibuster gave President little choice in making recess appointment

The Senate left President Obama little choice in making a recess appointment today of Richard Cordray to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

“For too long the Senate has abused the filibuster as an obstructionist tool, holding hostage nominations, legislation and governance,” said Common Cause President Bob Edgar. “But government still needs to function. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was created to watch out for American consumers, and that’s something that’s sorely needed now.”

Last month, despite receiving 53 votes in the Senate, the GOP successfully filibustered Cordray’s nomination. In fact, they pledged to prevent any candidate from being confirmed unless significant structural changes are made to the bureau. However, they had a chance to voice their concerns and propose those changes, and they didn’t.

Without a bureau chief, the agency was rendered lame. And without Senators committed to legislating instead of politicking, the Senate itself risks that same fate.