Gibbs: No more recess appointments

WASHINGTON, April 2 (UPI) -- No more recess appointments will be made by U.S. President Barack Obama while Congress is out of town on Easter break, the White House said Friday.

Obama raised the hackles of Republicans when he announced 15 recess appointments soon after lawmakers left Washington in late March.

White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said he expected no more recess appointment announcements for the remainder of the current congressional recess, The Hill reported.

Many nominees were blocked by Senate Republicans. Obama defended his decision to make the appointments and said President George W. Bush made more appointments while Congress was out of town even though he didn't have as many nominations stalled.