Ensign health czar challenge goes nowhere

By some estimates there are now at least 32 czars in the Obama administration, not sure whether that number includes the ousted green jobs czar Van Jones.

 But Nevada’s Sen. John Ensign is saying any health care czar should be confirmed by the Senate, and not answer only to the president.

"We are now facing a situation where there is almost a shadow Cabinet that is being developed. It is thwarting the position of the United States Congress and these czars are in different positions," Ensign is quoted as saying.

Such an amendment would affect Nancy-Ann DeParle, the director of the White House Office of Health Reform.

 Ensign’s amendment was rejected by the Senate Finance Committee by a vote of 13-10.