There are a number of Turkish, Azerbaijani and Armenian news outlets incorrectly reporting that the Bryza and Ricciardone nominations are set to be voted on October 5th, Armenian National Committee of America reports.

Please note the following:

-The Senate is currently in “pro-forma” session, which means that no business (votes, etc.) will be conducted until they return for regular session, which is forecasted to be after the November 2nd elections.

-Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) have placed a “hold” on the Bryza nomination; Sen. Brownback has placed a “hold” on the Ricciardone nomination.  Senators would have to lift their holds before the Senate could effectively take action and vote on these nominations.  Based on our office outreach to the Senate offices, we have absolutely no indication that the Senators have or are planning to lift their holds.

-Because the Senate is in “pro-forma” session, the Executive branch cannot do recess appointments of nominations.  As such, Bryza and Ricciardone cannot be appointed by Obama during this pro-forma session.