Tulsa World: Boren says Congress should push for removal of unconfirmed 'czars'

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Boren says Congress should push for removal of unconfirmed "czars"

U.S. Rep. Dan Boren (D-Okla.)

By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau
Published: 9/8/2009 9:08 PM
Last Modified: 9/8/2009 9:09 PM

WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Dan Boren said Congress should use the power of the purse to push the Obama administration to remove so-called czars that do not go through a confirmation process.

Responding to questions during a telephonic town hall, the Oklahoma Democrat said he was glad Van Jones, who resigned over the weekend as controversy continued to build over past statements, has left his post.

Boren joined others in criticizing the growing trend to name czars to lead efforts in specific areas.

Such officials do not go through oversight hearings or a confirmation vote in the Senate.

Boren referred to them as unelected bureaucrats who do not answer to lawmakers. “It is something I have heard a lot about,’’ he said.

Even though such czars do not go through a confirmation process, Boren cited the “authority’’ that came along with the congressional control over the power of the purse.

He also singled out Cass Sunstein, who was picked by Obama to be the administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs in the Office of Management and Budget.

Boren cited Sunstein’s reported views on animal rights, adding they are out of step with those of Oklahomans.

“I don’t believe he should be appointed to anything,’’ Boren said.

With his nomination sent to the Senate in April, Sunstein does not appear to fall in the same category as a czar.

Responding to other questions, Boren repeated his opposition to the current version of health care legislation, especially the so-called public option, and the House-passed bill designed to address climate change.

He also reminded callers of his measure that would promote the use of natural gas.

By JIM MYERS World Washington Bureau

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Reader comments for this story have been moved to the most updated version of the story, now under the headline "Boren seeks end to power of 'czars'," which was published on 9/9/2009. So far, 36 comments have been made.