Fight brewing over Biden’s OMB nominee
WILMINGTON, Del. — President- elect Joe Biden’s pick to lead the Office of Management and Budget is quickly emerging as a political battle that could disrupt his efforts to swiftly fill out his administration.
Some Republicans are expressing doubt that Neera Tanden could be confirmed by the Senate after she spent years attacking GOP lawmakers on social media.
Arkansas Republican Sen. Tom Cotton claimed Tanden’s rhetoric was “Filled with hate & guided by the woke left.”
Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyn said Tanden’s “combative and insulting comments” about Republican senators created “certainly a problematic path.” He called her “maybe [Biden’s] worst nominee so far” and “radioactive.”
Potential Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was less hostile, telling reporters, “Let’s see what happens.” Moderate Susan Collins, R-Maine, a target of Tanden’s, said, “I do not know her or much about her, but I’ve heard she’s a very prolific user of Twitter.”
Like all of Biden’s nominees, Tanden has little margin for error in a closely divided Senate.
Biden’s transition team released a litany of praise for Tanden from figures including Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts and former Georgia gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams.
On the Senate floor, Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said it’s impossible to take Republicans’ criticism of Tanden seriously.
“Honestly, the hypocrisy is astounding. If Republicans are concerned about criticism on Twitter, their complaints are better directed at President Trump,” Schumer said.