Senate could vote on amendment to defund policy 'czars'

The Senate could vote Wednesday on an amendment offered by Sen. David Vitter (R-La.) that would defund the Obama administration's so-called policy "czars," including the president's energy and climate adviser. 

“These czars are provided with a considerable amount of power and influence, putting them on the same level as cabinet members who are thoroughly vetted and approved by the U.S. Senate, but without the public scrutiny,” Vitter said in a statement Wednesday.

Republicans have alleged that President Obama's policy advisers wield too much power. The advisers, who have been appointed under previous administrations, are not subject to Senate approval.

Vitter's amendment would also cut funding for the head of any task force or council that is not subject to Senate approval.

Republicans trained much of their fire on Carol Browner, President Obama's energy and climate policy adviser. But Browner resigned in January to join the liberal Center for American Progress.

The amendment could come up for a vote later Wednesday as the Senate begins consideration of a bill aimed at streamlining presidential appointments. The amendment would need 60 votes to pass.

A similar measure to defund the administration's policy advisers passed the House earlier this year.

Here's more on Vitter's amendment and the presidential appointments bill.

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