Photo of Neera Tanden by White House via Wikimedia Creative Commons
Democratic Senator Joe Manchin (D-W. Va.) said Friday he would not vote to confirm Neera Tanden to direct the Office of Management and Budget, putting confirmation of the Indian American nominee in jeopardy.
CNBC reports Manchin cited Tanden’s past attacks on both Democrats and Republicans as the reason for her opposition.
“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,” he said.
Tanden currently serves as Executive Director of the Center for American Progress.
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According to Tribune India, Manchin’s opposition will mean a Republican will now have to cross the aisle to confirm Tanden. For now, Biden says he has no plans to withdraw his nomination.
“I think we are going to find the votes and get her confirmed,” Biden told reporters.
During confirmation hearings, Tanden apologized for some of her past tweets.
“I deeply regret and apologize for my language, and some of my past language,” she said.
Among those politicians who have been riled by Tanden is Sen Bernie Sanders (D-VT).
“Your attacks were not just made against Republicans,” Sanders said. “There were vicious attacks against progressives, people who I have worked with — me personally.”
Politico reports Sanders plans to speak with Tanden personally before deciding how he will vote.
“I’m very glad to see that Senator Manchin has decided to put people before politics and make sure that someone beholden to corporate interests and foreign governments doesn’t become the next OMB director,” said Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.).
However, Politico also reports others are jumping to Tanden’s defense.
“I am appalled by Joe Manchin voting against Neera Tanden for OMB, a committed progressive after he voted for Bill Barr and others,” tweeted Ilyse Hogu of the abortion-rights group NARAL. “How about assessing her work, competence and vision instead [of] the tone [of] her tweets? Stop sinking good women because they are outspoken.”
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