Rob Wittman co-sponsors two "Anti-Czar" bills

[allingeneral]

Here is Congressman Wittman's response to my letter to him regarding the czars which President Obama has appointed. I am very happy to see Mr. Wittman pursuing this issue aggressively by co-sponsoring two bills.

Dear Mr. Sandlin:

Thank you for contacting my office to express your concerns with President Obama's appointment of senior White House personnel, commonly referred to as 'czars.' I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts with me. I value your views on the important issues facing our Commonwealth and the Nation.

I understand your concerns, and I agree. Unlike cabinet appointments, 'czars' are not vetted by Congress through 'advise and consent' under Article II of the Constitution, nor does Congress have an appropriate oversight role with respect to policy and projects developed and managed by these appointees. Moreover, presidential advisers rarely testify before congressional committees and may shield information and the decision-making process behind the assertion of executive privilege.

You may be interested to know that I have cosponsored H.R. 3226, the Czar Accountability and Reform Act of 2009. Introduced by Representative Jack Kingston of Georgia, this legislation would bar the use of appropriated funds to pay either expenses or salaries of members of task forces, councils, or similar offices established by the President and headed by a person appointed inappropriately to such a post without Senate advice and consent.

Additionally, I have cosponsored H.R. 3569, the Sunset All Czars (SAC) Act. This legislation, introduced by Representative Steve Scalise of Louisiana, would bar the use of appropriated funds to pay either expenses or salaries of members of task forces, councils, or similar offices established by the President. H.R. 3569 would also require any appointed 'czars' who have not been confirmed by the Senate to be removed by December 31, 2009.

Currently, H.R. 3226 and H.R. 3569 have been referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. As a cosponsor of these bills, please rest assured I will continue to keep your thoughts in mind should H.R. 3226 and H.R. 3569 pass out of committee and come before the full House of Representatives for a vote.

Thank you again for sharing your views and opinions with me. I am committed to serving you to the best of my abilities. If I can ever be of assistance to you or your family, please do not hesitate to call me at (202) 225-4261 or contact me online at: www.wittman.house.gov.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Wittman
Member of Congress

[zephyp]

Good deal Rick and kudos to your congressman. Hey ho these czars gotta go!!!!

[allingeneral]

Good deal Rick and kudos to your congressman.

Yeah, man. He rocks! We need more like him!

[GS78]

Wittman seems pretty responsive, I have contacted him in the past and recieved a letter in return that was not a form.

[zephyp]

Good deal Rick and kudos to your congressman.

Yeah, man. He rocks! We need more like him!

I tell ya that NOVA could use some decent replacements for those no count Connolly and Moran. Moran is already a criminal and Connolly is working on it.