SENATE CONFIRMS CONTROVERSIAL SUNSTEIN FOR KEY REGULATORY POST
News Date September 15, 2009
Dr. Cass Sunstein, a Harvard professor, was confirmed last week by the Senate to serve as the Administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within the Office of Management and Budget. Sunstein had come under fire from Senate Republicans, as well as agriculture organizations, for his views on animal rights. Opponents of Sunstein cited previous writings that suggest animals should have the right to sue their owners in court. A number of environmental groups expressed concerns with Sunstein’s nomination as well over his support for utilizing cost-benefit analysis in the regulatory process.
The Senate voted 57-40 to confirm Sunstein, with incoming Senate Agriculture Chairman Blanche Lincoln joining five other Democrats voting against his confirmation. (By: Preston Asay, Policy Contact: Nathan Bowen)