national labor relations board sw general dba southwest ambulance argued november decided march article ii constitution requires president obtain advice consent senate appointing officers cl given provision responsibilities office requiring presidential appointment senate confirmation pas office may go unperformed vacancy arises president senate promptly agree replacement congress accounted reality giving president limited authority appoint acting officials temporarily perform functions vacant pas office without first obtaining senate approval current version authorization federal vacancies reform act fvra section fvra permits three categories government officials perform acting service vacant pas office subsection prescribes general rule vacancy arises pas office first assistant office shall perform office functions duties temporarily acting capacity subsections provide notwithstanding paragraph president may direct person already serving another pas office senior employee relevant agency serve acting capacity instead section also makes certain individuals ineligible acting service subsection notwithstanding subsection person may serve acting officer office section president nominates vacant pas office period preceding vacancy person serve position first assistant office served position less days general counsel national labor relations board nlrb board pas office june vacancy arose office president directed lafe solomon serve acting general counsel solomon qualified acting service subsection fvra senior employee nlrb january president nominated solomon serve nlrb general counsel permanent basis senate never took action nomination president ultimately withdrew solomon name favor new candidate senate confirmed october throughout entire period solomon served acting general counsel nlrb january nlrb regional director exercising authority solomon behalf issued unfair labor practices complaint respondent sw general administrative law judge concluded sw general committed unfair labor practices nlrb agreed sw general sought review appeals district columbia circuit arguing complaint invalid subsection fvra solomon perform duties general counsel nlrb nominated fill position nlrb countered subsection applies first assistants automatically assume acting duties subsection acting officers like solomon serve appeals vacated board order concluded prohibition acting service nominees contained subsection applies acting officers regardless whether serve pursuant subsection result solomon became ineligible perform duties general counsel acting capacity president nominated fill post held subsection fvra prevents person nominated fill vacant pas office performing duties office acting capacity prohibition applies anyone performing acting service fvra limited first assistants performing acting service subsection pp text fvra requires conclusion pp subsection applies person prohibits service acting officer office section person expansive meaning encompass anyone performs acting duties fvra see pfizer government india section clarifies subsection applies fvra contains specific subsections paragraphs subsection refers contains ways person may become acting officer rest fvra also uses pairing person section encompass anyone serving acting officer fvra congress readily used specific language intended subsection apply first assistants acting dependent clause beginning subsection otwithstanding subsection confirms breadth prohibition acting service nominees statutes notwithstanding clauses show one provision prevails another event conflict means subsection applies even conflicts default rule first assistants shall perform acting duties pp board argues phrase notwithstanding subsection mention congress intend prohibition subsection apply people serving acting officers provisions board relies interpretive canon expressio unius est exclusio alterius expressing one item associated group series excludes another left unmentioned chevron echazabal internal quotation marks omitted interpretive canon applies however circumstances support sensible inference term left must meant excluded notwithstanding clause naturally give rise inference shows two provisions prevails event conflict singling one conflict generally suggest unaddressed conflicts resolved opposite manner conflict unique former uses mandatory language first assistant shall perform acting duties latter identifies may serve acting officer notwithstanding clause clarifies mandatory language subsection prevail subsection event conflict subsections lack mandatory language natural inference congress left provisions notwithstanding clause differ subsection implicitly exempt prohibition subsection moreover subsection specifies shall apply certain people serving first assistant applied first assistants stating limitation superfluous pp text clear board arguments legislative history purpose practice need considered event arguments compelling original draft fvra contained prohibition nominees serving acting officers explicitly limited prohibition first assistants board argues congress revised original draft made changes give president flexibility appoint acting officers intend broaden prohibition nominees performing acting service glitch argument congress change prohibition nominees performing acting service revising clearly apply acting officers fact certain senators stated wanted give president flexibility appoint acting officials mean got exactly wanted statement one sponsors fvra said subsection applies first assistants overcome clear text particularly given next senator speak offered contradictory account provision board also argues since fvra enacted congress objected presidents nominated individuals serving acting officers subsection office legal counsel government accountability office issued guidance construing subsection apply first assistants relying nlrb noel canning board contends historical practice entitled significant weight istorical practice grand title board evidence fvra enacted evidence board cites significant enough warrant conclusion congress failure speak implies acquiesced view subsection applies first assistants contrast decision noel canning dealt president constitutional authority recess appointments clause issue attracted intense attention presidents attorneys general senate dating back beginning republic pp applying fvra case straightforward subsection prohibited solomon continuing service acting general counsel president nominated fill position permanently president appointed another person serve acting officer solomon place affirmed roberts delivered opinion kennedy thomas breyer alito kagan joined thomas filed concurring opinion sotomayor filed dissenting opinion ginsburg joined opinion notice opinion subject formal revision publication preliminary print reports readers requested notify reporter decisions washington typographical formal errors order corrections may made preliminary print goes press national labor relations board petitioner sw general dba southwest ambulance writ certiorari appeals district columbia circuit march chief justice roberts delivered opinion article ii constitution requires president obtain advice consent senate appointing officers cl given provision responsibilities office requiring presidential appointment senate confirmation known pas office may go unperformed vacancy arises president senate promptly agree replacement congress long accounted reality authorizing president direct certain officials temporarily carry duties vacant pas office acting capacity without senate confirmation federal vacancies reform act fvra et latest version authorization section fvra authorizes three classes government officials become acting officers general rule first assistant vacant office shall become acting officer president may override default rule directing either person serving different pas office senior employee within relevant agency become acting officer instead fvra however prohibits certain persons serving acting officers president nominated fill vacant office permanently question presented whether limitation applies first assistants automatically assumed acting duties whether also applies pas officers senior employees serving acting officers president behest hold applies three categories acting officers senate advice consent power critical structural safeguard constitutional scheme edmond framers envisioned excellent check upon spirit favoritism president guard appointment unfit characters family connection personal attachment view popularity federalist rossiter ed hamilton constitutional process presidential appointment senate confirmation however take time president may promptly settle nominee fill office senate may unable unwilling speedily confirm nominee submitted yet neither may desire see duties vacant office go unperformed interim since president washington first term congress given president limited authority appoint acting officials temporarily perform functions vacant pas office without first obtaining senate approval earliest statutes authorized appointment person persons fill specific vacancies departments state treasury war act may ch stat congress first allowed acting officers serve permanent officeholder resume duties successor appointed soon imposed limit acting service act ch stat congress revisited issue ultimately passing vacancies act vacancies act expanded number pas offices president fill acting officers act july ch stat see also act ch stat expansion came new constraints authority appoint person persons acting officer gave way default rule first sole assistant shall perform function exception allowing president instead fill post person already serving pas office stat rather six months acting service vacancies act generally authorized ten days ibid narrow window acting service later lengthened days act ch stat interbranch conflict arose vacancies act department justice took position many instances head executive agency independent authority apart vacancies act temporarily fill vacant offices comptroller general disagreed arguing act exclusive authority temporarily filling vacancies executive agencies see rosenberg congressional research service report congress new vacancies act congress acts protect senate confirmation prerogative rosenberg congress amended vacancies act clarify applies agencies time lengthening term permissible acting service days tolling period nomination pending see presidential transitions effectiveness act stat tensions ease approximately percent pas offices executive agencies occupied temporary designees served beyond limitation period without presidential submissions nominations rosenberg acting officers filled positions sometimes obvious contravention senate wishes one instance brought outside government serve acting assistant attorney general civil rights division justice department immediately senate refused confirm office ibid see rosenberg congressional research service validity designation bill lann lee acting assistant attorney general civil rights perceiving threat senate advice consent power see rosenberg congress acted replaced vacancies act fvra section fvra permits three categories government officials perform acting service vacant pas office subsection prescribes general rule person serving pas office dies resigns otherwise unable perform duties first assistant office shall perform office functions duties temporarily acting capacity next two paragraphs identify alternatives subsection provides notwithstanding paragraph president may direct person already serves pas office perform functions duties vacant office temporarily acting capacity subsection adds notwithstanding paragraph president may direct person perform acting duties person served senior position relevant agency least days period preceding section also makes certain individuals ineligible acting service subsection notwithstanding subsection person may serve acting officer office section president nominates vacant pas office period preceding vacancy individual serve position first assistant office served position less days subsection creates exception prohibition providing aragraph shall apply person serving first assistant position requires senate advice consent sections fvra establish time limits acting service penalties noncompliance cases statute permits acting service days beginning date vacancy occurs tolls time limit nomination pending starts new clock nomination rejected withdrawn returned upon second nomination time limit tolls acting officer serve additional days second nomination proves unsuccessful fvra ensures compliance providing general function duty vacant office performed person properly serving statute shall force effect national labor relations board nlrb board charged administering national labor relations act statute general counsel must appointed president advice consent senate june nlrb general counsel serving senate confirmation resigned president directed lafe solomon serve temporarily nlrb acting general counsel citing fvra basis appointment see memorandum president barack obama solomon june solomon satisfied requirements acting service subsection fvra spent previous ten years senior position director nlrb office representation appeals president bigger plans solomon acting service january nominated solomon serve nlrb general counsel permanent basis senate ideas body act upon nomination congress returned president legislative session expired cong rec president resubmitted solomon name consideration spring may avail president ultimately withdrew solomon nomination put forward new candidate senate confirmed october throughout entire period solomon served nlrb acting general counsel solomon responsibilities included exercising final authority issue complaints alleging unfair labor practices january nlrb regional director exercising authority solomon behalf issued complaint alleging respondent sw general company provides ambulance services improperly failed pay certain bonuses employees administrative law judge concluded sw general committed unfair labor practices nlrb agreed sw general filed petition review appeals district columbia circuit argued unfair labor practices complaint invalid subsection fvra solomon legally perform duties general counsel nominated fill position nlrb defended solomon actions contended subsection applies first assistants automatically assume acting duties subsection acting officers like solomon serve appeals granted sw general petition review vacated board order reasoned text subsection squarely supports conclusion provision restriction nominees serving acting officers applies acting officers matter whether serve pursuant subsection cadc result solomon became ineligible serve acting general counsel president nominated general counsel granted certiorari affirm ii subsection fvra prevents person nominated vacant pas office performing duties office acting capacity full notwithstanding subsection person may serve acting officer office section period preceding date death resignation beginning inability serve person serve position first assistant office officer ii served position first assistant office officer less days president submits nomination person senate appointment office subsection adds aragraph shall apply person serving first assistant position requires advice consent senate conclude prohibition subsection applies anyone performing acting service fvra board contends limited first assistants performing acting service subsection text prohibition extends person serves acting officer section first assistants serving subsection phrase otwithstanding subsection limit reach instead clarifies prohibition applies even conflicts default rule first assistants shall perform acting duties analysis subsection begins text subsection applies person prohibits service acting officer office section key words person section clearly indicate applies acting officers regardless means appointment start person word naturally expansive meaning encompass anyone performs acting duties fvra see pfizer government india important may first assistants person bunch add section language clarifies subsection applies persons serving congress often drafts statutes hierarchical schemes section subsection paragraph line see koons buick pontiac gmc nigh filson legislative drafter desk reference congress used structure fvra relied make precise congress wanted refer particular subsection paragraph said see subsection paragraph congress referred entire section subsumes ways person may become acting officer rest fvra uses pairing person section way section example specifies long person serving acting officer described section may serve office emphasis added describes consequences noncompliance fvra referring actions taken person acting section emphasis added one disputes provisions apply anyone serving acting officer fvra first assistants serving subsection congress intended subsection apply first assistants acting easily chosen clearer language replacing person first assistant done trick replacing section subsection fact congress adopt either readily available apparent alternative strongly supports conclusion subsection applies acting officer appointed provision within knight commissioner dependent clause beginning subsection otwithstanding subsection confirms prohibition acting service applies even conflicts default rule first assistant shall perform acting duties ordinary meaning notwithstanding spite without prevention obstruction webster third new international dictionary black law dictionary ed despite spite statutes word shows provision prevails event clash scalia garner reading law interpretation legal texts subsection sets rule first assistants shall perform vacant office functions duties acting capacity notwithstanding clause subsection means even first assistant serving acting officer statutory mandate must cease service president nominates fill vacant pas office subsection also applies acting officers serving president behest already clear broad text independent clause person serving section board takes different view phrase otwithstanding subsection begins noting uses three different subsections create three separate paths becoming acting official reply brief prohibition subsection board continues applies otwithstanding one subsections ibid board view singling subsection carries negative implication congress intend subsection override alternative mechanisms acting service subsections disagree board relies interpretive canon expressio unius est exclusio alterius one item associated group series excludes another left unmentioned chevron echazabal quoting vonn sign entrance zoo says come see elephant lion hippo giraffe temporary sign added saying giraffe sick reasonably assume others good health force negative implication however depends context marx general revenue slip expressio unius canon applies circumstances support sensible inference term left must meant excluded echazabal notwithstanding clause naturally give rise inference shows two provisions prevails event conflict clause confirms rather constrains breadth singling one potential conflict might suggest congress thought conflict particularly difficult resolve quite likely arise generally imply anything unaddressed conflicts much less resolved opposite manner suppose radio station announces play favorite hits notwithstanding fact play hits play music british bands tune expecting hear british band clash beatles station announced play music british bands notwithstanding clause establishes applies even music british bands prominently featured charts one however think station singled convey implicitly categorical statement play music british bands actually apply drawing negative inference notwithstanding clause subsection similarly inapt without clause subsection plainly apply persons serving acting officers adding notwithstanding subsection makes sense conflicts unique manner former mandatory first assistant shall perform acting duties latter contrast speaks may acting officer vacancy arises president nominates first assistant fill position says first assistant shall perform duties office acting capacity nomination pending says may notwithstanding clause clarifies language prevail conflict occurs compare mandatory language subsection people appointed provisions much acting officers first assistants assume role freestanding directive perform acting duties subsections say president may direct natural inference congress left provisions notwithstanding clause different subsection exempt broad prohibition subsection officers serving indeed notwithstanding used way parts subsections preceded phrase notwithstanding paragraph phrase recognizes subsection unique resolves potential conflict mandatory shall perform provision permissive may direct implies nothing potential conflicts may arise statutory scheme subsection works way notwithstanding clause simply shows overrides nothing step back board focus notwithstanding another problem appears interpretation subsection makes mess subsection specifies shall apply person person serving first assistant first assistant position pas office senate approved appointment person office board interpretation makes first requirement superfluous result typically try avoid williams taylor cardinal principle statutory construction must give effect possible every clause word statute internal quotation marks omitted subsection applied first assistants need state requirement person serving first assistant board proposes congress clarity said superfluous language board dissent counter applying prohibition subsection anyone performing acting service problem also require applying nullify provision reply brief dissent deems way read statute post agree way read reading subsection effect subsection addresses nominations generally prohibiting person nominated fill vacant office performing office duties acting capacity subsection speaks specific nomination scenario person nominated president reappointment additional term office without break service particular situation fvra authorizes nominee continue serve office commonplace statutory construction specific governs general radlax gateway hotel llc amalgamated bank general prohibition acting service nominees yields specific authorization allowing officers reappointment remain posts applying subsection hardly compels different result text subsection clear subject one narrow exception prohibits anyone nominated fill vacant pas office performing duties office acting capacity regardless whether acting officer appointed subsection limited first assistants automatically assume acting duties board contends legislative history purpose practice uniformly show subsection applies first assistants text clear need consider evidence see state farm fire casualty ex rel rigsby slip event board evidence compelling board argues subsection designed serve specific purpose preventing president nominee serve acting officer making first assistant right vacancy arises brief petitioner original draft fvra authorized first assistants pas officers perform acting service subsection draft provided first assistant nominated fill vacant office perform office duties acting capacity unless first assistant least days vacancy several senators thought fvra restrictive asked add senior agency officials list potential acting officers shorten requirement subsection requests board says granted final version fvra included subsection senior employees shortened requirement days intent extend prohibition subsection beyond first assistants glitch argument course text subsection congress amend statute allow senior employees become acting officers subsection substantive change requested reduce requirement congress done tweaks original version subsection instead congress went also removed language expressly limited subsection first assistants added provision subsection makes sense applies acting officers short congress took provision explicitly applied first assistants turned one applies acting officers board protests congress expanded prohibition nominees serving acting officers senators asked give president flexibility see brief petitioner certain senators made specific demands however mean got exactly wanted passing law often requires compromise even firm public demands bend competing interests see ragsdale wolverine world wide congress ultimately agrees text enacts preferences expressed certain legislators see oncale sundowner offshore services ultimately provisions laws rather principal concerns legislators compromise precisely happened period intense negotiations took place senators demanded changes original draft fvra final bill compromise measure rosenberg legislation passed expand pool individuals president appoint acting officers adding senior employees subsection also expanded scope limitation acting service dropping language making applicable first assistants board contends compromise must happened senator thompson one sponsors fvra said subsection applies acting officer first assistant acting officer designated president pursuant cong rec senator byrd next speaker offered contradictory account nominee may serve acting officer first assistant first assistant less days confirmed position good example floor statements individual legislators rank among least illuminating forms legislative history see milner department navy us make use legislative history believe clear evidence congressional intent may illuminate ambiguous text take opposite tack allowing ambiguous legislative history muddy clear statutory finally board supports interpretation practice notes office legal counsel government accountability office issued guidance construing subsection apply first assistants three presidents without congressional objection submitted nominations individuals serving acting officers subsections board contends historical practice entitled significant weight fvra concern allocation power two elected branches government brief petitioner quoting nlrb noel canning slip internal quotation marks omitted istorical practice grand title board evidence fvra enacted nominations board cites make less two percent thousands nominations positions executive agencies senate considered years since passage even guidance documents board cites paid matter little attention made conclusory statements subsection analysis context congress failure speak fairly imply acquiesced board interpretation see zuber allen alexander sandoval senate may noticed certain nominees serving acting officers violation fvra may chosen reject qualified candidate make point compliance statute either least plausible theory legislature inaction reflects considered acceptance executive practice decision noel canning chief opinion board relies sharp contrast case dealt president constitutional authority recess appointments clause issue attracted intense attention written analysis presidents attorneys general senate slip voluminous historical record dated back beginning republic included thousands recess appointments slip chronicle recess appointments clause weighed heavily noel canning offers support board iii applying fvra case straightforward solomon appointed acting general counsel subsection president submitted nomination fill position permanent capacity subsection prohibited continuing acting service mean duties general counsel nlrb needed go unperformed president appointed another person serve acting officer solomon place wide array individuals choose one approximately senior nlrb employees hundreds individuals pas positions throughout government president however solomon continued service violated fvra accordingly judgment appeals affirmed ordered appendix section fvra provides officer executive agency including executive office president government accountability office whose appointment office required made president advice consent senate dies resigns otherwise unable perform functions duties office first assistant office officer shall perform functions duties office temporarily acting capacity subject time limitations section notwithstanding paragraph president president may direct person serves office appointment required made president advice consent senate perform functions duties vacant office temporarily acting capacity subject time limitations section notwithstanding paragraph president president may direct officer employee executive agency perform functions duties vacant office temporarily acting capacity subject time limitations section period preceding date death resignation beginning inability serve applicable officer officer employee served position agency less days rate pay position described subparagraph equal greater minimum rate pay payable position general schedule notwithstanding subsection person may serve acting officer office section period preceding date death resignation beginning inability serve person serve position first assistant office officer ii served position first assistant office officer less days president submits nomination person senate appointment office paragraph shall apply person person serving first assistant office officer described subsection office first assistant office appointment required made president advice consent senate senate approved appointment person office notwithstanding subsection president president may direct officer nominated president reappointment office executive department without break service continue serve office subject time limitations section time senate acted confirm reject nomination notwithstanding adjournment sine die purposes section sections expiration term office inability perform functions duties office thomas concurring national labor relations board petitioner sw general dba southwest ambulance writ certiorari appeals district columbia circuit march justice thomas concurring join opinion correctly interprets federal vacancies reform act fvra et seq dissent conclusion fvra authorized appointment case however implicates important constitutional question interpretation whether directing lafe solomon serve acting general counsel national labor relations board nlrb board without advice consent senate complied constitution write separately explain view appointments clause likely prohibited solomon appointment appointments clause prescribes exclusive process president may appoint officers germaine accord buckley valeo per curiam officers appointed accordance clause class type officer excluded special functions provides president shall nominate advice consent senate shall appoint ambassadors public ministers consuls judges officers whose appointments herein otherwise provided shall established law congress may law vest appointment inferior officers think proper president alone courts law heads departments art ii cl purposes appointment clause divides officers two classes inferior officers noninferior officers long denominated principal officers germaine supra principal officers must appointed president advice consent senate see edmond process also default manner appointment inferior officers ibid clause provides limited exception appointment inferior officers congress may law authorize president head executive department law appoint inferior officers without advice consent senate ibid fvra governs process president may temporarily fill vacancy executive branch office normally occupied officer relevant case vacancy arises president may direct official perform functions duties office temporarily official may officer previously appointed president confirmed senate office certain employees agency vacancy arose ibid fvra however require president seek advice consent senate directing official perform functions vacant office president direct someone serve officer pursuant fvra appoint ing person officer within meaning appointments clause around time framing verb appoint meant establish anything decree johnson dictionary english language def ed sheridan complete dictionary english language appoint ed allot assign designate webster american dictionary english language def president direct person serve acting officer assign ing designat ing person serve officer fvra authorizes president appoint inferior principal officers without first obtaining advice consent senate appointing inferior officers manner raises constitutional problems appointments clause authorizes congress enact law like fvra vest ing appointment inferior officers president alone appointing principal officers fvra however raises grave constitutional concerns appointments clause forbids president appoint principal officers without advice consent senate ii interpret fvra forbid solomon appointment case need confront concerns dissent contrary interpretation necessarily raises question whether appointment complied requirements appointments clause inquiry turns two considerations whether general counsel nlrb officer within meaning appointments clause whether principal officer appointed advice consent view general counsel plainly officer also think likely principal officer initial matter nlrb general counsel officer whose appointment governed appointments clause extensive evidence suggests time framing phrase understood encompass federal officials responsibility ongoing statutory duty mascott officers stan rev forthcoming manuscript online https last visited mar see also officers within meaning appointments clause op officer originally understood official hold position delegated sovereign authority whose office rather ad hoc previously held officer appointee exercising significant authority pursuant laws buckley see also free enterprise fund public company accounting oversight breyer dissenting collecting cases addressing counts officer general counsel officer probable original meaning clause precedents charged statute carrying significant duties exercise general supervision attorneys employed board officers employees regional offices final authority behalf board respect investigation charges issuances complaints respect prosecution complaints board ibid general counsel effectively nation prosecutor therefore officer see edmond treating general counsel department transportation officer although closer question general counsel also likely principal officer edmond explained officer one whose work directed supervised level others appointed presidential nomination advice consent senate view consistent original meaning term practices early congresses see morrison olson scalia dissenting see also sheridan supra inferiour johnson supra inferiour def webster supra inferior contrast principal officer one superior president general counsel nlrb appears satisfy definition board controlled filing complaints prosecution adjudication well nlrb food commercial workers labor management relations act ch stat however effected important change nlrb structure separat ing prosecuting adjudicating function place former general counsel make independent official appointed president lewis nlrb congress thus separated nlrb two independent branches food commercial workers made general counsel independent board supervision review see also congress decided place general counsel within agency make office independent board authority moreover general counsel prosecutorial decisions unreviewable either board judiciary nlrb sears roebuck vaca sipes although board power define general counsel duties see general counsel represents board certain judicial proceedings see higgins labor czars commissars keeping women kitchen purpose effects administrative changes made cath rev statute give board power remove otherwise generally control activities see edmond supra power remove officers recognized powerful tool control see also free enterprise fund holding executive officials inferior officers large part subject superior removal appears general counsel answers officer inferior president likely principal accordingly president likely lawfully appointed solomon serve role without first obtaining advice consent senate iii recognize burdens governmental processes appointments clause imposes may often seem clumsy inefficient even unworkable ins chadha granting president unilateral power fill vacancies high offices might contribute efficient government appointments clause empty formality although framers recognized potential value leaving selection officers one man discernment rather fractious multimember body see federalist cooke also recognized serious risk abuse corruption posed permitting one person fill every office government see story commentaries constitution framers lived form government permitted arbitrary governmental acts go unchecked chadha supra knew liberty preserved ensuring powers government never consolidated one body see federalist thus empowered senate confirm principal officers view necessity business appointments considerable salutary restraint upon conduct president federalist story supra cast aside separation powers appointments clause important check executive power sake administrative convenience efficiency see bowsher synar senate voluntarily relinquished power fvra make around appointments clause constitutional clause like constitution structural provisions designed first foremost look interests respective branches protect individual liberty nlrb noel canning scalia concurring judgment slip internal quotation marks bracket omitted therefore irrelevant branch approves encroachment free enterprise fund supra internal quotation marks omitted neither congress executive agree waive structural provisions constitution agree disregard enumerated right freytag commissioner judicial branch must vigilant guarding separation political powers precisely powers collude avoid structural constraints constitution courts inevitably called upon determine whether constitution permits appointment principal officers pursuant fvra without senate confirmation proper interpretation fvra bars appointment sotomayor dissenting national labor relations board petitioner sw general dba southwest ambulance writ certiorari appeals district columbia circuit march justice sotomayor justice ginsburg joins dissenting many offices executive branch may filled person nominated position president confirmed senate federal vacancies reform act fvra cedes senate confirmation authority partially temporary basis allow executive agencies continue function one offices becomes vacant authorizes certain categories officials perform duties vacant offices acting basis one provisions pulls back authorization official nominated fill vacant office permanent basis scope provision issue agree provision applies first assistants vacant office serve acting officials automatically operation fvra conclusion provision also applies officials may serve acting officials president directs serve capacity gives provision broader reach text bear support history practice fvra respectfully dissent explains fvra governs vacancies offices held persons whose appointment office required made president advice consent senate known pas offices official pas office dies resigns otherwise unable perform functions duties office fvra steps ibid see also expiration term office makes official unable perform functions duties office section fvra authorizes four categories officials perform duties vacant office subsection contains default rule first assistant office automatically assumes vacant office performs functions duties office temporarily acting capacity subsections authorize president override default rule president may direct person already confirmed senate pas office serve acting officer see president may direct certain senior officials agency serve acting officer see president may direct person whose term office expired nominated subsequent term office serve acting officer senate acts nomination see subsection takes away authorization specific situation provides otwithstanding subsection first assistant default rule person may serve acting official nominated fill office person first assistant office least days preceding vacancy prohibition subsection apply person serving first assistant vacant office see ii view text purpose history fvra make clear prohibition subsection applies first assistant performs duties vacant office subsection observes subsection contains potentially broad language provision specifies person may serve acting officer office section words person section taken isolation signal prohibition applies subsections thus covers acting officials context matters context cabins words gives subsection limited reach text subsection contains clear signal prohibition applies first assistants automatically assume vacant office subsection begins clause otwithstanding subsection notwithstanding clause identifies potential conflict two provisions specifies provision prevail familiar expressio unius est exclusio alterius interpretive canon choice single subsection subsection notwithstanding clause strongly suggests prohibition reaches conflicts subsection subsection rest confirms conclusion prohibition subsection establishes may perform duties vacant office introduces potential conflict subsections identify four categories persons may perform duties vacant office stating prohibition applies otwithstanding subsection subsection expressly prohibition takes precedence default rule set subsection omission reference subsections spite parallel potential conflict subsections suggests omission choice inadvertence bruesewitz wyeth llc quoting barnhart peabody coal choice means subsection trumps subsection subsections nothing notwithstanding clause renders impervious established rule statutory interpretation says rule less force context notwithstanding clause clause confirms rather constrains breadth provision attached ante breadth attached provision precisely question clause specific reference subsection subsection strongly supports reading attached prohibition limit subsection see preseault icc reference notwithstanding clause limited scope attached provision emphasis deleted claims reference subsection may serve different purpose view reference might instead demonstrate congressional concern conflict subsection subsection quite likely arise particularly difficult resolve ante closer examination bear hypothesis text refutes theory subsection likely conflict subsection subsections prohibition subsection apply person served first assistant vacant office days year vacancy arose serves first assistant office person serving subsection definition first assistant leg meeting conditions avoiding subsection prohibition altogether serving subsections pas officials senior agency officials officials whose terms vacant office expired prohibition subsection thus likely less likely conflict subsections true enough subsection sets automatic rule first assistant assumes acting status upon vacancy whereas subsections set conditional rules president may choose direct officials assume acting status distinction makes difference asking whether conflict subsections harder resolve without guidance conflict subsection subsections stating may assume acting status subsection conflicts equally rules may assume acting status set subsections reference subsection subsection notwithstanding clause thus understood means resolve particularly vexing conflict conflict exists four categories indeed explanations make notwithstanding clause subsection superfluous notwithstanding clause serves confirm breadth subsection singles subsection address conflict shared equally subsections real work clause deleted without changing meaning subsection admits see ante worse still broad interpretation subsection renders subsection superfluous subsection president may designate person whose term office expired nominated subsequent term serve acting official unlikely even implausible person serves set term served first assistant office year term expired yet subsection requires service person serve acting official result subsection applies acting officials prohibit subsection expressly permits acting service person nominated president serve consecutive term vacant office way read statute problem says ubsection effect subsection contains specific rule acting service nominee second term ordinary principles statutory interpretation controls general rule governing acting service nominee subsection ante reasoning point undercuts opening claim words person section subsection must refer anyone performs acting duties fvra ante underscores otwithstanding subsection clause subsection superfluous reading general authorization acting service first assistant subsection yield specific prohibition acting service certain nominees subsection even without notwithstanding contrast reading subsection apply first assistant serving acting official subsection renders provision superfluous reasons subsection reference person serving first assistant office superfluous subsection applies first assistants serving subsection see ante recall subsection creates exception subsection subsection provides person serve acting official nominated person first assistant vacant office least days vacancy arose subsection requirements apply current first assistants put another way subsection imposes requirements based person past service subsection lifts requirements based person current service reference subsection person serving first assistant office thus necessary convey relevant time period service triggers exception subsection events leading following enactment fvra support interpreting subsection apply first assistants serving subsection first nothing legislative history fvra indicates subsection enacted broad prohibition acting service nominees vacancies act fvra predecessor first assistant vacant office served acting official unless president directed another pas official see act july ch stat act prohibit person first assistant otherwise serving acting official nominated fill office structure remained place century events prompted fvra enactment confirm line reading act altered structure prohibit certain first assistants serving acting capacity nominated vacant office service one acting official bill lann lee turning point broader dispute political branches executive branch compliance vacancies act lee brought department justice serve acting assistant attorney general civil rights division nomination position failed continued serve acting capacity renominated position decision bring lee serve department justice failed nomination led strong congressional criticism see letter fois assistant attorney general office legislative affairs thurmond pp subsection addresses lee incident prevents recurrence see explaining earlier version subsection prevent manipulation first assistants include persons highly unlikely career officials bars first assistant serving subsection nominated unless person first assistant significant period time vacancy arose previous days person first assistant vacant office contrast indication intent depart practice vacancies act prohibit acting service officials nominated vacant office one identified congressional statements expressing concern service calling broader prohibition indeed earlier version subsection unquestionably applied first assistants serving subsection even though bill permitted president designate pas official acting official instead first assistant see legislative history document reason changes subsection suggests unspoken congressional compromise led expanded subsection ante compromise hypothesizes possible evidence supports absence hint compromise hoped development debate fvra means probable second reading subsection executive branch began violating fvra almost immediately enactment within months department justice office legal counsel olc advised executive branch agencies prohibition subsection applies persons serve acting officers virtue first assistant office guidance application federal vacancies reform act op olc government accountability office tasked aiding congressional enforcement fvra later reached conclusion see letter joyner strategic issues thompson chairman senate committee governmental affairs subject eligibility criteria individuals temporarily fill vacant positions federal vacancies reform act pp since enactment fvra senate received nominations persons continued serve acting capacity nomination satisfied conditions subsection acting service nominee see app brief yet legion violations prompted response evidence suggests senate reacted requiring nominees cease acting service cf pet cert citing objections raised decision failure object glaring light enforcement mechanism written fvra section requires executive branch agency immediately notify comptroller general heads government accountability office houses congress vacancy date vacancy occurred name person serving acting capacity date service began name person nominated senate fill vacancy date nomination submitted date nomination acted upon provision leaves doubt congress information needed object fvra violations perceived congressional silence face practice giving subsection narrow reach casts serious doubt broader interpretation indicates congress like executive branch interpreted subsection line text reach first assistants vacant office serving pursuant subsection fvra prohibits limited set acting officials confirmed first assistants serve subsection serve first assistant vacant office least days vacancy arose performing duties vacant office also serving president nominee fill office reading provision broadly apply acting officials disregards full text fvra finds support purpose history prefers reading respectfully dissent footnotes senior position one rate pay equal greater minimum rate position general schedule fvra exempts general counsel national labor relations board general rule actions taken violation fvra void ab initio appeals assume section renders actions improperly serving acting general counsel voidable rejected board argument voiding solomon actions board seek certiorari issue consider addition unfair labor practice complaint case issued senate returned solomon nomination first time president renominated position proceedings board argue timing made difference assumed bearing proper application fvra case proceed assumption footnotes solomon appointed temporarily serve acting general counsel change analysis think structural protections appointments clause avoided based trivial distinctions solomon served three years office limited statute term exercised statutory duties office thus nothing special temporary solomon appointment eaton morrison used multifactor test determine whether independent counsel ethics government act supp inferior officer although explicitly overrule morrison edmond difficult see morrison nebulous approach survived opinion edmond edmond also consistent constitution original meaning therefore guide view distinction see calabresi lawson unitary executive jurisdiction stripping hamdan opinions textualist response justice scalia colum rev think general counsel likely qualify principal officer even morrison olson see footnotes subsection exception apply person nominated reappointment additional term office without break service course first assistant office sw general offers different response person directed perform duties vacant office subsection serve acting officer see tr oral arg also misses mark like subsections subsection located titled acting officer div stat like subsections addresses may fill vacant office see like subsections expressly subjects service time limits apply person serving acting officer described section moreover relegating officials directed serve subsection statutorily unnamed official status muddle provisions fvra see making exclusive means temporarily authorizing acting official serve pas office requiring reporting name person serving acting capacity date service began immediately upon designation