Of course, the White House knows that the Senate is not in Recess. The Senate stands in adjournment as is clearly laid out in the Congressional Record.
The White House statement is political theater, believing that most people are too ignorant to discern the difference. They want us to buy into the false notion that the White House would never try a dirty trick to replace Justice Scalia. They would, and they will if they have an opportunity.
They are in recess. House agreed to it.