IHS Fellow
In Case You Missed It
The presidential power to adjourn Congress—a clause buried in Article II of the Constitution—has never been used. But recent political maneuvering raises questions about this obscure power’s meaning and potential implications. Former President Trump floated the idea of using this authority to bypass Senate confirmations through recess appointments, bringing this long-overlooked clause into focus.
Andy Craig, an IHS fellow, explores the constitutional, historical, and procedural nuances of this power. Could inaction between the House and Senate trigger a “disagreement”? Is this power being tested a step toward undermining the balance of American democracy? Craig’s analysis refers back to Charles I’s ill-fated attempt to bypass Parliament, and offers insights into how the Framers sought to limit executive interference with the legislature.
To dive deeper into the potential ramifications of this unprecedented power, read the full piece at Cato.
