IV 112th CONGRESS 1st Session H. CON. RES. 3 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES January 5, 2011 Mrs. Blackburn (for herself, Mr. Barton of Texas, Mr. Broun of Georgia, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Burton of Indiana, Mr. Sam Johnson of Texas, Mrs. Lummis, Mr. Manzullo, Mr. Marchant, Mr. Gary G. Miller of California, Mr. Olson, Mr. Rehberg, Mr. Rogers of Kentucky, Mr. Shimkus, and Mr. Young of Alaska) submitted the following concurrent resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress that the President should issue, and Congress should hold hearings on, a report and a certification regarding the responsibilities, authorities, and powers of his czars.

Whereas Congress recognizes that the Constitution vests in the executive branch the power to appoint Presidential advisers whose communications to the President are protected under executive privilege; Whereas Congress recognizes the importance of coordinating executive agencies, and recognizes that Presidents often appoint special assistants, commonly referred to as “czars”, to manage this coordination with regard to important areas of national policy, and to advise the President; Whereas at least 36 czars have been appointed in 2009, raising concerns about the Federal government’s provision of adequate transparency and accountability to the public; and Whereas members of Congress are concerned that the appointment of these czars and their actions may subvert the legislative and oversight authority of Congress under article I of the Constitution: Now, therefore, be it

That it is the sense of Congress that— (1)the President should— (A)issue a report to Congress clearly outlining the responsibilities, qualifications, and authorities of the special assistants to the President, commonly referred to as “czars”, that he has appointed; and (B)certify to Congress that such czars have not asserted and will not in the future assert any powers other than those granted by statute to a commissioned officer on the President’s staff; and (2)Congress should hold hearings on such report and such certification within 30 days after the date of their receipt.