The U.S. Senate voted Wednesday (9/9) to confirm animal rights advocate Cass Sunstein as administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs for the Obama Administration. Sunstein, in his new position, will review and approve or reject all regulations promulgated by the administration.
NCBA, KLA and other organizations continue to express reservations about Sunstein’s nomination based on his long history of academic work in animal rights, including a book he authored suggesting animals should have the right to bring lawsuits against humans. The concern is his views on animal rights could be reflected in federal regulations.
Sunstein’s confirmation was put on hold several times, once by U.S. Sen. Sam Brownback. Following a similar hold placed on the nomination by U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Sunstein replied to the concerns in a letter clarifying he does not favor and would not support giving animals the right to serve as plaintiffs in lawsuits. Instead, he said his focus would be to ensure regulations are consistent with the U.S. Constitution and the principles of laws passed by Congress are reflected in executive orders.
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