Cass Sunstein, a Harvard law professor, appears to be one step closer to confirmation as the administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs.Julie Harker is reporting for Brownfield Ag News that a second hold on the nomination of Sunstein to be the Obama administrations regulatory “czar” has been lifted. Sunstein’s nomination was being held up by a few Republican senators who had concerns over his animal rights positions. A “hold” is a Senate rule that allows a Senator to anonymously prevent a nominee from receiving a majority "up or down" vote for confirmation.
Sunstein’s nomination was being held up by Senators Sexby Chambliss (GA) and John Cornyn (TX). According to Harker’s article, “In May, Sunstein testified that he would ‘follow the law’ and in a letter to Cornyn said he would not use his position to pursue civil rights for livestock which would, in his words ‘be an intolerable burden on farmers, ranchers and hunters.”’
As administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, which is part of the White House’s Office of Management and Budget, Sunstein would be responsible for approval, rejection, or “returns for modification all proposed rulemaking by federal agencies.” According to Rod Smith’s article for Feedstuffs.com, Sunstein is a considerable animal rights advocate and “believes animals should be permitted to sue people, is opposed to hunting and supports ‘extensive regulation’ of the use of animals in agriculture, entertainment and scientific experimentation (Feedstuffs, Feb. 23 and July 5).”
Yet, Sunstein told Senator Cornyn via letter that he would follow the letter of the law and essentially not advocate for standing in court for animals. Senator Chambliss lifted his hold following a meeting with Sunstein in which the professor made similar assurances.
To read the Harker article click here.
To read the Smith article click here.
Posted: 08/20/09
