A recess appointment is a constitutionally protected right of the executive branch of the United States government. It allows the executive branch to fill vacant positions with appointees during Congressional recess without the need for immediate Senate confirmation. The commission or appointment must be ratified (i.e. approved) by the Congress by the end of the next session.

This executive right has been frequently used to fill vacancies with candidates who might prove difficult to confirm or face staunch opposition from the Senate. The recess appointment is made in the hopes that by the time the next Congressional session begins, opposition will have died down or a new controlling party will have emerged in favor of the appointment.