Asian Pacific American Caucus urges senators to confirm Tanden

Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus sent a letter to senators on Monday urging them to confirm Neera Tanden as President Biden’s director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

The letter describes Tanden as “exceptionally qualified” for the role and also notes the historical significance of Tanden’s nomination: she would be the first Asian American and first woman of color to lead OMB.

“Ms. Tanden’s substantial policy, legislative, and executive branch experience makes her exceptionally qualified to lead the OMB and ensure that our nation’s budgets and programs reflect our shared values of hard work, fairness, and respect,” the letter states.

“As a daughter of a single mother who relied on public housing and food stamps to survive, Ms. Tanden understands firsthand the struggles that many Americans face every day and the pivotal role that government can play in leveling the playing field and creating an economy that works for working families,” it continues.

The show of support comes as Tanden’s confirmation appears increasingly unlikely.

Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said last week he would oppose Tanden’s nomination, citing her “overtly partisan statements.” At least two GOP senators, Sens. Susan Collins (Maine) and Mitt Romney (Utah), considered potential swing votes said Monday that they also would oppose her nomination.

Many GOP senators have expressed opposition to Tanden due to her past critical tweets, which targeted Republicans and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Tanden apologized for her tweets during her confirmation hearings earlier this month.  

The letter sent by CAPAC on Monday also describes Tanden as someone who has experience working across the aisle to advance policy, citing her work on the Child Tax Credit, health care access and education.

“We urge the Senate to swiftly confirm her nomination so we can get to work to address the challenges facing our nation,” the letter states.

The White House reiterated support for Tanden on Monday and continued to say President Biden believes the Senate votes are there to confirm her. Two committees must first advance Tanden’s nomination before it goes to the floor for a full vote. 

“The president nominated her because he believed she’d be a stellar OMB director,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said at an afternoon briefing. “This is a process — confirmations, getting individuals confirmed is. She has two committee votes this week, and we’re working toward that and we’ll continue to work in supporting her nomination.”

The Senate is tied 50-50, with Vice President Harris able to cast the tie-breaking vote, meaning that Biden would need at least one Republican to vote in favor of confirming Tanden with Manchin voting against her.