WASHINGTON. D.C. – House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform Ranking Member Darrell Issa (R-CA) and Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) have sent a letter to White House Counsel Gregory Craig calling for the release of information pertaining to the appointment of a number of senior Administration advisors, otherwise known as “czars.”

“According to publicly available information, a pattern of behavior and associations maintained by some individuals runs contrary to the very core of our democracy,” Issa and Smith wrote referencing comments made by former Green Jobs Car Van Jones, an organization presided over by Energy and Environment Czar Carol Browner and remarks made by FCC Diversity Czar Mark Lloyd about Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.  “There is grave concern that, in the absence of the requirement for Senate confirmation, the Administration may be appointing individuals who would not otherwise withstand Congressional scrutiny.”

Specifically, Issa and Smith requested information related to these “czars” appointment, compensation, authority, and all records and communications referring or relating to the policies and procedures by which these individuals were selected, reviewed, “vetted” or otherwise approved for appointment.

Click here to view the letter to White House Counsel Gregory Craig