Number, Role of Obama’s Policy ‘Czars’ Spark Debate

This morning’s USA Today has this story following up on Glenn’s effort to promote transparency and constitutional government.

The latest skirmish between conservatives and the Obama administration — the proliferation of “czars” named by the president to handle pressing issues — is prompting efforts in Congress to put limits on the White House.

Conservative commentator Glenn Beck, who has fueled concern about the advisers by charging that they are another manifestation of big government run amok under control of the Democrats, puts the count at 32.

Unlike Cabinet secretaries, who regularly testify before Congress, most special advisers are accountable only to the president. Some, such as Carol Browner, who oversees climate change and energy issues, earn $172,200 a year, according to the White House’s report on staff salaries.

Concerns about czars gained momentum in recent weeks when the political activism of Van Jones, who was in charge of promoting Obama’s green jobs initiatives, came to light. Among other things, Jones had signed a petition for a group alleging that the Bush administration planned the 9/11 terrorist attacks. He resigned Sept. 5 and declined to comment for this story.

You can read the whole story here.