The U.S. Senate is currently in ‘pro-forma’ session.

“This means that no business (votes, etc.) will be conducted until they return for regular session, which is forecasted to be after the November 2nd elections,” Armenian National Committee of America (ANCA) Communications Director Elizabeth Chouljian told a PanARMENIAN.Net reporter.

“Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) have placed a hold on the Bryza nomination; Sen. Brownback has placed a hold on the Ricciardone nomination. Senators would have to lift their holds before the Senate could effectively take action and vote on these nominations. Based on our office outreach to the Senate offices, we have absolutely no indication that the Senators have or are planning to lift their holds,” she said.

“Because the Senate is in ‘pro-forma’ session, the Executive branch cannot do recess appointments of nominations. As such, Bryza and Ricciardone cannot be appointed by Obama during this ‘pro-forma’ session,” Chouljian said.

She also emphasized that media reports on consideration of Bryza and Ricciardone nominations on October 5 are untrue.