Democratic Senator Joe Manchin said he will not vote to confirm President Biden’s choice to be the director of the Management and Budget Office, Neera Tanden, endangering and potentially damaging your confirmation. Because of the 50-50 split in the Senate, a Republican would have to support Tanden to offset Manchin’s “no” vote, which seems unlikely.
Citing Tanden’s history of party comments and tweets as a cause for concern, Manchin explained his decision in a written statement:
“I have carefully reviewed the public statements and tweets by Neera Tanden that have been personally addressed to my colleagues on both sides of the corridor, from Senator Sanders to Senator McConnell and others. I believe that his openly partisan statements will have a toxic and damaging impact on the important I work on the relationship between members of Congress and the next director of the Management and Budget Office. For this reason, I cannot support your nomination. In a time of serious crisis, it is more important than ever that we design a new bipartisan course that will help to face the many serious challenges that our nation faces. “
In the past, Tanden referred to Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell as “Voldemort” and fought online against Senator Bernie Sanders and his supporters. Sanders’ vote in Tanden was also being monitored as a potential “no”. During his confirmation hearing, the Vermont senator asked some of Tanden’s most incisive questions about the social media comments she addressed to her supporters.
Anna Moneymaker / AP
“There have been cruel attacks on progressives, people I have worked with, me personally,” he said. “Can you reflect on some of your decisions and some of the personal statements you have made in recent years?”
Tanden apologized and told senators at the hearing that he deleted some of his tweets and promised that he would take a “radically” different approach if confirmed.
Despite Manchin’s opposition, when questioned on Friday night, Biden said he would not withdraw the nomination.
“I think we will find the votes for it to be confirmed,” said the president.
“Neera Tanden is an accomplished policy expert who would be an excellent Budget Director and we look forward to the committee’s votes next week and to continue to work towards its confirmation through engagement with both parties,” said a statement from the secretary. White House press conference, Jen Psaki. .
Sara Cook contributed reporting.