W.H. responds to 'czar' critiques

The White House on Wednesday fired back at critics of appointed policy "czars" in the Obama administration, calling much of the opposition "ridiculous."

The "czars" have come under fire recently because they have not been confirmed by the Senate.

The appointed advisers gained increased scrutiny following resignation of former green jobs czar Van Jones after his signature was found on a petition implying the Bush administration played a role in the 9/11 terrorist attacks and making other controversial statements.

"The bulk of the noise you hear began first with partisan commentators, suggesting that this is somehow a new and sinister development that threatens our democracy. This is, of course, ridiculous," White House Communications Director Anita Dunn wrote in a blog post.

"Just to be clear, the job title 'czar' doesn’t exist in the Obama Administration," Dunn added, referring to the informal term used for the advisers.

Dunn noted that former Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush used "czars" in their administration.

The administration specifically targeted a letter from Reps. Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) and Lamar Smith's (R-Tex.) requesting White House counsel Greg Craig provide information regarding the "czars'" vetting information, pay grade, and responsibilities.

"But of course, it’s really the hypocrisy here that is noteworthy," wrote Dunn, echoing the DNC's line-of-attack against Issa. "Just earlier today, Darrell Issa...had to admit to Fox News that he had never raised any objections to the Bush Administration’s use of 'czars.'"

"Many of these members who now decry the practice have called on Presidents in the past to appoint 'czars' to coordinate activities within the government to address immediate challenges."

The White House also claimed that some of the czars under fire from conservative pundits have been approved by the Senate.

Republicans, however, have not been the only ones to question Obama's use of the now-controversial advisers.

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-Wis.) also sent a letter to the president requesting his legal advisers justify the constitutionality of the "czars."