WASHINGTON (AP) – Neera Tanden’s appointment to head the White House Office of Administration and Budget was questioned on Friday as Senator Joe Manchin of West Virginia became the first Democratic lawmaker to oppose to your confirmation.
During his confirmation hearings, Tanden apologized for spending years attacking major Republicans on social media. She is a former adviser to Hillary Clinton and served as president of the liberal-minded Center for American Progress. With the Senate evenly divided between 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats, she will likely need the support of at least one Republican to get confirmation.
“I believe that his openly partisan statements will have a toxic and damaging impact on the important working relationship between members of Congress and the next director of the Office of Management and Budget,” said Manchin in a statement. He went on to say that, in a moment 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”.
It is the first real test that Biden faces in a nomination, with most of his choices for cabinet posts navigating the chamber with bipartisan support. Tanden also discredited some Democrats on social media, notably Senator Bernie Sanders, the Vermont independent.
Biden, asked on Friday whether he would withdraw Tanden’s nomination, said no.
“I think we are going to find the votes and get it confirmed,” said Biden.
Moments earlier, the White House issued a statement in its defense.
“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 working towards its confirmation through engagement with both parties,” said the press secretary. of the White House, Jen Psaki.
Tanden would be the first black woman to lead the OMB, which leads efforts to ensure that a government’s priorities are reflected in legislation and regulations.
The Senate Budget Committee is expected to vote on its nomination next week.