WASHINGTON-For all the talk of bipartisanship this Congressional session, this cooperation does not seem to have touched the presidential appointment process. Republicans and Democrats in Congress have exchanged heated words about President George W. Bush nominees held up by the Senate, which must confirm the appointments.

Now that Congress is in recess, President Bush has the option of making recess appointments, which last only until the end of the congressional session. The Senate, currently Democrat-controlled, can then confirm the appointee for a full term or allow the term to expire.

While President Bush told reporters he was highly focused on the situation in Afghanistan right now, he "at the appropriate time, will take a good, hard look at recess appointments.