Bush announces 20 appointments at Congress recess

WASHINGTON -- President Bush on Friday announced his intention to make 20 appointments during the congressional recess, including a new chairman of the Federal Trade Commission, a manufacturing czar and three ambassadors.

For FTC chairman, Bush is appointing Deborah Majoras of Virginia to replace Timothy J. Muris, who is stepping down after three years.

Majoras, a former Justice Department deputy assistant attorney general, was one of the lead lawyers in the government's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft Corp.

Majoras' nomination had been blocked in the Senate by Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who said there was no evidence she would change FTC policies that benefit oil companies and hurt consumers.

By making appointments during the congressional recess, the president is able to bypass the need for confirmation by the Senate.