Vitter, Colleagues Introduce Amendment to Defund Czars

Press Release

U.S. Sens. David Vitter (R-La.), Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Dean Heller (R-Nv.) and Chuck Grassley (R-Ia.), today introduced an amendment to the Nominations Process Reform Bill that would defund current "czars" in the Obama administration and require Senate confirmation of current and future czars who hold similar authority and power as cabinet officials but have not undergone the formal confirmation process.

"These czars are provided with a considerable amount of power and influence, putting them on the same level as cabinet members who are thoroughly vetted and approved by the U.S. Senate, but without the public scrutiny," Vitter said. "And I'm very concerned about that undefined authority of what are essentially political advisory positions, especially when the decisions they make can have a profound effect on our lives."

"The nomination process was put in place so individuals seeking high level positions in government are held accountable. Czars are given a great amount of authority and control within the federal government without being nominated or vetted. The American public deserves to know who the President is appointing within his administration," said Sen. Heller.

The Senators' legislation is similar to Rep. Steve Scalise's (R-La.) legislation included in the 2011 spending package which passed the House in February. The legislation would eliminate funding for newly established administrative offices that are headed by a "czar.'

The Vitter, Paul, Heller and Grassley amendment goes a step further by expanding the definition of what is considered a "czar' to include the head of any task force, council, policy office or similar office established by the president that has not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate. This would not include the National Security Advisor.

In 2009 Vitter introduced an amendment to the Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Interior spending bill that would prohibit any federal funds from being directed to programs or policies initiated by the White House Climate Change Czar.