Authors of the White House blog are calling out Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander and other Republicans for bashing the administration’s use of czars. Alexander defended his claims on the Senate floor Thursday.
Six Senators sent a letter to the President this week outlining constitutional concerns about the administration’s appointment of 18 czars. But the White House is pushing back, saying these same lawmakers – including Alexander – advocated for czar positions under President Bush.
Alexander says he supports the historical use of czars, which began under FDR.
“Some of them were appointed by presidents. Some of them were appointed by statutes. A few of them were confirmed by the Senate. But there’s never been anything like what we’ve seen with this administration.”
Alexander says czars could be undermining the constitutional responsibilities of other positions. He says it’s important for the Senate to confirm czars and have oversight of their budgets.
Alexander challenges 18 of the positions. Some Republicans, including Congressman Marsha Blackburn, question 32 of them. The White House contends 12 of those positions now referred to as czars existed under the Bush Administration.
See the White House blog post here.
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