Reagan Plans to Follow Normal Process on Bork

The White House said today it intends to follow normal Senate procedure with the Supreme Court nomination of Robert H. Bork but refused to rule out a presidential recess appointment that would put the judge on the high court at least temporarily.

“The intention is to proceed with the nomination in committee and to secure confirmation on the Senate floor,” spokesman Marlin Fitzwater.

The spokesman said there have been no discussions with the President concerning a nomination that would be made during the Senate’s end-of-the-year recess.

Fitzwater was responding to questions about the suggestion made by Senate Minority Leader Bob Dole that Reagan could use his recess-appointment powers to put the conservative jurist on the court, at least for a time. (Story, Page 14).

Earlier today, Majority Leader Robert C. Byrd said the chamber is moving so slowly on other business that it may have to delay its planned October adjournment.

He also criticized Dole’s suggestion that Reagan could use his interim-appointment powers . “They’re still trying to circumvent the Congress--the people’s branch.” Byrd added, “The Senate will do its duty on this nomination.”