Cathy McMorris Rodgers - the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
Cathy McMorris Rodgers - the Chair of the House Energy and Commerce Committee | Official U.S. House headshot
House Energy and Commerce Committee Chair Cathy McMorris Rodgers and Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Ranking Member Shelley Moore Capito have raised concerns over President Biden's attempt to replace outgoing climate czar John Kerry with John Podesta without the required Senate confirmation process.
In a letter to President Biden, McMorris Rodgers and Capito expressed their alarm at the plan to appoint Podesta as the Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy in a way that bypasses congressional oversight. They stated, “This appears to be a blatant attempt to sidestep congressional oversight and install Mr. Podesta in a position that under federal law requires the advice and consent of the United States Senate. We are alarmed at your apparent decision to circumvent the law.”
The lawmakers highlighted their concerns about the administration's practice of creating new offices that do not undergo Senate confirmation, stating that it shows a disregard for the separation of powers and congressional authority under both the Constitution and federal law.
The letter referenced the creation of the Cabinet-level position of Special Presidential Envoy for Climate for John Kerry at the start of President Biden's tenure, which was not subject to Senate confirmation. In response to concerns raised, legislation was passed in 2021 requiring positions similar to the Special Envoy to undergo Senate confirmation.
The lawmakers argued that Mr. Podesta's role as the Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy is essentially the same as Mr. Kerry's role as the Special Presidential Envoy for Climate, and therefore, should require Senate confirmation. They emphasized that the change in title and location does not exempt Mr. Podesta from this requirement.
In conclusion, the House E&C and Senate EPW leaders urged President Biden to adhere to the law and ensure that any replacement for John Kerry in the role of climate envoy undergoes the necessary Senate confirmation process.
For more information, the full letter to President Biden can be accessed by following the provided link.
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