WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House isn't saying whether it will appeal today's decision from a federal appeals court, which said President Barack Obama violated the Constitution in making some recess appointments last year to the National Labor Relations Board.

The court said the president can only fill vacancies using the recess appointment procedure if the openings arise when the Senate is in an official recess. And it defined that recess as the once-a-year break between sessions of Congress.

When Obama made the appointments, senators were away for the holidays for 20 days, but the Senate was officially in session.

Obama's spokesman says the administration strongly disagrees with the ruling.

If today's decision stands, it could invalidate hundreds of decisions by the labor board that were made over the past year.

The court decision is a victory for Republicans and business groups that have been attacking the board for issuing a series of rulings that make it easier for labor unions to organize new members.

Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch says today's ruling will "go a long way toward restoring the constitutional separation of powers."

The same issue is currently before several other federal appeals courts.

Copyright © 2013 Associated Press