[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 132 (Thursday, September 17, 2009)]
[House]
[Pages H9674-H9675]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                 CZARS

  (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Madam Speaker, since being sworn in, the 
President has appointed 34 czars--the health czar, the car czar, an 
urban czar, a Great Lakes czar. These are just to

[[Page H9675]]

name a few. In 300 years, czarist Russia just had 18 czars. Why do we 
need 34? We have an energy czar and a Secretary of Energy. We have a 
health czar and a Secretary of Health. Worse, 27 of the 34 czars have 
not even been confirmed by the Senate despite a constitutional 
requirement. These czars make $172,000 yearly, and that doesn't include 
expensive, unchecked staff with zero accountability.
  I backed legislation that would withhold funding from any czar not 
confirmed by the Senate. Americans want, need and deserve transparency 
and accountability. Let's rein in the czars.

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