James Taranto, who I would classify as a coastal Republican (e.g., conservative on most issues, but liberal on social issues; similar to the founders of the libertarian party) had a very interesting suggestion yesterday for a new amendment.

Section 1. The President's power to fill vacancies during a recess of the Senate shall apply only in the case of a recess lasting ninety days or longer.

Section 2. The Senate shall vote on all presidential appointments within ninety days of the first day the Senate is in session after the President submits an appointment. The Senate's failure to fulfill this obligation shall be construed as consenting to the appointment.

Section 3. The provisions of this Article shall take effect at the beginning of the next Presidential term after the ratification of this Article.

I think this is a wonderful suggestion, but Taranto does not go far enough. This should be true of all Presidential nominations that require Senate approval. In other words, this should apply to the nomination of all judges as well. The Senate would still be able to block nominees of whom they disapproved, but they would have to vote as a body to do so.

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