Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said he would not vote to confirm President Biden’s election as director of the Office of Management and Budgets. Neera Dents, endangering and potentially closing your confirmation. Due to the 50-50 split in the Senate, a Republican would have to support Tanden to make up for Manchin’s “no,” which seems unlikely.
Citing Tanden’s history of partisan comments and tweets as a cause for concern, Manchin explained his decision in a written statement:
“I have carefully reviewed Neera Tanden’s public statements and tweets addressed personally to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, from Senator Sanders to Senator McConnell and others. I believe her openly partisan statements will have a toxic and detrimental impact. in the important relationship between members of Congress and the next director of the Office of Management and Budgets.For this reason, I cannot support his candidacy.As I said before, we must take significant steps to end the division “In a time of severe crisis, it is more important than ever to chart a new bipartisan course to help meet the many challenges facing our nation.”
In the past, Tanden has referred to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell as “Voldemort,” and has fought Senator Bernie Sanders and his supporters online. Sanders ’vote on Tanden was also being controlled as a potential“ no ”. During her confirmation hearing, the Vermont senator asked some of Tanden’s most prominent questions about the social media comment she had addressed to her followers.
Anna Moneymaker / AP
“There were cruel attacks on progressives, people I’ve worked with, me personally,” he said. “Can you reflect a little on some of your decisions and some of the personal statements you’ve made in recent years?”
Tanden apologized and told the senators in sight that he had deleted some of his tweets and vowed to take a “radically” different approach if confirmed.
Despite Manchin’s opposition, when asked Friday night, Mr. Biden said he will not withdraw the nomination.
“I think we will find the votes to confirm it,” the president said.
“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 continuing to work for confirmation through engagement with both parties,” the secretary said in a statement. White House press officer, Jen Psaki. .
Sara Cook contributed to the reports.