WASHINGTON (AP) – The nomination of Neera Tanden to head the White House Office of Management and Budget was called into question Friday as Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia became the first Democratic legislator who opposed his 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-leaning Center for American Progress. With the Senate evenly divided between 50 Republicans and 50 Democrats, it will likely need the support of at least one Republican to get confirmation.
“I believe his openly 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 Budgets,” Manchin said in a statement. He went on to say that in a time of severe crisis, “it is more important than ever to chart a new bipartisan course that will help us meet the many challenges facing our nation.”
It is the first real test Biden has faced in a nomination, with most of his options for cabinet positions navigating the chamber with bipartisan support. Tanden had also despised some Democrats on social media, most notably Vermont-independent Sen. Bernie Sanders.
Biden, asked on Friday if he would withdraw Tanden’s candidacy, said he would not.
“I think we’ll find the votes and confirm it,” Biden said.
Moments earlier, the White House had issued a statement defending it.
“Neera Tanden is a policy expert who would be an excellent budget director and we look forward to the committee’s votes next week and will continue to work for her confirmation through engagement with both parties,” she said. White House press secretary Jen Psaki.
Tanden would be the first woman of color to lead the OMB, leading efforts to ensure that an administration’s priorities are reflected in legislation and regulations.
The Senate Budget Committee plans to vote on his candidacy next week.