I am still learning on this, but reading here this morning, it sounds like the Republican leadership could have run out the clock on these appointments by stalling the Cromnibus bill to the last minute, although, that may have resulted in a temporary shut down of a fraction of the government. I didn’t hear any protests from the leadership, so I think they were perfectly comfortable allowing Reid to push these people through. If what I read is accurate, McConnell is responsible for allowing these confirmations.
Just to be honest with you, I’m not sure the Senate is yet in recess. Is it?
I’m sure they had another trick up their sleeve if that happened, possibly just letting the government shut down and blaming Cruz.