Moran Introduces Legislation to Cease "Czar" Appointments

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Jerry Moran recently introduced H. Res. 778 - a resolution to formally express Congress' opposition to the "czar" appointment process while calling for the President to cease all "czar" appointments. Moran also sponsored H.R. 3226, the Czar Accountability and Reform Act of 2009, to prohibit paying the salary of a "czar" that has not been confirmed by the U.S. Senate.

"The Obama Administration's excessive ‘czar' appointments exemplify the ever-expanding federal bureaucracy and big government that Kansans and Americans have grown tired of," Moran said. "The increasing use of unconfirmed government officials is irresponsible - it is time Congress stops the executive branch from abusing this flawed appointment process. I have introduced this resolution to condemn the increased use of unconfirmed government officials and heads of agencies."

"Czars" are Presidential appointees named to serve as policy advisors or agency heads within the administration. Since the administration of President Richard Nixon, the executive branch has named an increasing number of "czars". The current administration has named an unprecedented number of "czars" in its eight months in power.

"In an effort to cease the ‘czar' appointment process, I have also sponsored legislation that will prohibit an unconfirmed appointee's salary from being paid by taxpayer dollars. Congress needs to pass both pieces of legislation to bring about better government accountability and legislative oversight," Moran said.

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