White House to keep Czars from testifying before Congress

White House Counsel Greg Craig said, according to Republican Maine Senator Susan Collins, that the administration will keep the President's newly appointed 18 czars from testifying before Congress.

The White House will not allow administration’s newly created 18 Czars from testifying before Congress, at least that is what ranking Republican on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Susan Collins, stated in the committee’s hearing on Thursday, reports The Washington Times. In a written opening statement by Collins, she said, “Indeed, yesterday when I was talking to Greg Craig, the president’s legal counsel, he made it very clear that the White House would prohibit any of these officials with significant policy responsibility from coming to testify before us if they are located within the Executive Office of the President.” According to CNS News, former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge said, “I disagree with that, although I do think that presidents are entitled to appoint advisors.” However, he does understand the decision by the White House. Nevertheless, Collins disagrees with such a move because some of the Czars actually do create policy or negotiate on behalf of the President. Further stating, “I think Congress should be able to call the president's climate czar, Carol Browner, the energy and environment czar, to ask her about the negotiations she conducted with the automobile industry that led to very significant policy changes with regard to emissions standards.” This debate will continue to move forward as it crosses Constitutional issues. Both Democrats and Republicans argue that those in office should be summoned to testify because they do more than just give advice. Collins did point out that at least eight of them are in the executive office and are not privy to the Freedom of Information Act requests or testimony. Collins sent a request list to the administration for information from such Czars as the Energy and Environment, Health, International Climate, Guantanamo Closure and others. This latest decision by President Obama, as Senators argue, according to Fox Nation, both Democrats and Republicans, completely defies Obama’s pledge of transparency and openness.