The point is that Congress acknowledges & approves the validity & value of the person, within the spirit of the restriction. Mattis isn’t being approved by POTUS alone in some quid pro quo, he’s approved because he’s a legitimate leader & advisor.
Besides, if Congress hadn’t gotten itself so deep into stupid spending predicaments, this “trick” couldn’t be used. Play stupid games, get stupid prizes.
THAT’S WHAT I WAS THINKING TOO.
How many times did the DemocRATS play this game on the Repubs .. forcing them to vote for BAD legislation .. in order to actually vote for a necessary item in the legislation.
THE DEMOCRATS DESERVE TO HAVE IT THROWN IN THEIR FACE EVERY SINGLE DAY.