Democratic Senator Joe Manchin on Friday announced that he will oppose Neera Tanden, President Joe Biden’s nomination to lead the Office of Management and Budget. The announcement potentially reduces Tanden’s chances to get the position and is a new setback for the Democrats’ agenda.
As we have reported earlier, Tanden has been the target of bipartisan criticism since Biden nominated her. She has received heavy criticism from Republicans due to her past bitter comments on several Republicans on Twitter.
While citing Tanden’s tweets and public statements, Manchin wrote: “I believe her overtly partisan statements will have a toxic and detrimental impact on the important working relationship between members of Congress and the next director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). For this reason, I cannot support her nomination.”
When questioned if he was planning to give up his nomination, Biden replied: “No.” He said: “I think we’re gonna find the votes to get her confirmed.” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said: “Neera Tanden is an accomplished policy expert who would be an excellent Budget Director,” while adding that Tanden continues to work for her confirmation with “both parties.”
Taking into consideration Manchin’s opposition, Tanden will most likely need at least one Republican for her confirmation.
The OMB is a department that deals with developing the president’s budget and evaluating the projects and expenditures of his department secretaries. If confirmed, Tanden will be the first Indian American to serve as director of the OMB.
A first test will take place with a procedural vote scheduled for Wednesday in the Senate Budget Committee.
Also Read: Confirmation hearing for Biden budget pick Neera Tanden on Feb 9
