President Bush appointed a controversial scholar to head the White House’s regulatory oversight office on Wednesday, bypassing congressional opposition that has stalled the appointment since July.

Susan E. Dudley, a former adjunct professor at George Mason University’s School of Law, will serve as administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).

The recess appointment follows a standoff between the administration and Senate Democrats that began during the 109th Congress. Liberal watchdog groups campaigned against Dudley’s appointment because she advocated looser regulations on environmental and safety issues during her tenure at George Mason.

Bush renominated Dudley on Jan. 9, but with Democrats in control in the 110th Congress, the nomination was virtually certain to fail in the Senate. The White House followed up on Jan. 30 by making her a “senior adviser” to the office — a position that did not require Senate confirmation.

Rob Portman, director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), called Dudley “extremely well qualified” for the post, which has been vacant since John D. Graham’s departure more than a year ago. OMB oversees the regulatory office.

“Susan Dudley will be filling a critical role at an important agency,” Portman said. “She is well-suited to build on the administration’s record of sound regulatory policy in defense of the public interest, public health, and economic opportunity.”