A recess appointment, however, does not have the same benefits as a nominee confirmed by the Senate. Without Senate approval, the appointee would not be paid. The appointee can serve in the role for up to two years, depending on when the appointment was made.

President-elect Donald Trump has suggested he wants to use “recess appointments” to confirm his Cabinet nominees when he takes office, a process that could allow controversial picks like former Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to avoid a contentious Senate confirmation process—but may be hard to implement in practice.