The end-of-year holidays have traditionally allowed presidents to bypass Congress and push through contested nominees with recess appointments. But with threats that House Republicans will stay in session over the holidays to block nominations, President Obama has tough political decisions to make.
Source: http://www.npr.org/2011/12/09/143458518/congress-wont-recess-to-block-obama-appointments?ft=1&f=1014
John Barrasso Bob Corker Sherrod Brown Susan Collins Kay Hagan Claire McCaskill Bob Menendez Jerry Moran