How to Bernie Sanders Grills Controversial Neera Tanden

During her second confirmation hearing on Wednesday, Neera Tandon, again heading President Biden's controversial name management office and budget, apologized for her history of pointed social media attacks and millions in donations from major corporations to American Progress Faced with dollar questions. He has been wearing a helmet for almost a decade, a progressive think tank.

Tanden has notoriously feuded with both Republicans and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Senate Budget Committee chairman and his supporters on Twitter, especially during the 2016 election season when Sanders ran against Hilton Clinton in the Democratic primary Had gone

Sanders made those comments on Wednesday, stating that he had "people I have worked with" and "me personally" before forcing Tandon for his future criticisms in matters of policy.

Sanders also said he is "concerned" about the level of corporate donations that the cap has received, including at least $ 33 million from financial sector companies such as Blackstone and Bain Capital between 2014 and 2019, Washington The Post reported in December.

The issue of corporate donations also came up during Tandon's previous hearing before a separate Senate committee on Tuesday.

Asked Sanders whether his relationship with powerful donors would affect his decision-making if confirmed to lead OMB, Tandon responded that it would have "zero impact", adding that "to ensure My role will be that I am only serving the interests of the American people. "

Tenden promised his support for a range of progressive initiatives during Wednesday's hearing, including a $ 15 per hour minimum wage, lowering prescription drug prices, lowering Medicare eligibility age, 12-week guaranteed family or medical Holiday, free tuition to the public is included. College for Qualified Students and Universal Pre-K.

Tandon previously served as president and CEO of the Center for American Progress, a left-leaning think tank. She also served as a policy aide in President Bill Clinton's administration and as an advisor to Hillary Clinton during her presidential bid. She has been a vocal critic of the Republican Party on social media, and history along with her partisan activism has prompted the GOP to oppose her nomination. During his hearing before the Senate's Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee on Tuesday, Tandon apologized for those comments and promised to "act aggressively", including sending fans with lawmakers on both sides of the corridors In which he was previously criticized like Sen. Tom Tom (R-Ark.), Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).

"Social media leads to a lot of personal comments," Tenden said Wednesday, "and my outlook [at OMB] will be radically different."

"I know her as a very nice person, but [not] the one I was choosing was not unity," Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C) quoted Tandon on Wednesday. "In times of unity, we are choosing someone who throws a sharp elbow, and there are going to be consequences for that," he said.

The OMB will play a key role in the White House's response to the crisis, particularly now that Democrats plan to pass Biden's comprehensive $ 1.9 trillion stimulus plan through special budget reconciliation rules over vehement objections from Republicans. During his testimony on Tuesday, Tandon pledged to deliver aid to the struggling Americans "to ensure that OMB uses every tool at its disposal".

Tandon's nomination must be approved by both the Senate Budget Committee and the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee to vote for the full Senate. His confirmation requires only simple votes, meaning Democrats will be able to confirm Republicans' objections if the entire caucus votes together.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Neera Tandon, president of the US Office of Management and Head of Budget, Joey Biden, on Tuesday apologized on social media for past attacks on Republicans, who have been a focal point of opposition to her nomination of members of that party.

"I recognize the concern. I am very sorry for my language and my previous language and apologize, ”Tandon said in his confirmation hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee. She is scheduled to appear before the Senate Budget Committee on Wednesday.

The Office of Management and Budget, or OMB, serves as the gatekeeper for the $ 4 trillion federal budget.

When the chief executive of the left-leaning center for the American Progress Think Tank in Washington, Biden, raised tendons, Republicans pointed to his previous strong comments on Twitter, such as calling Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell "Moscow Mitch and" Referred to as the vampire. (Senator) More heart than Ted Cruz. "

However, now that Democrats control the Senate, Vice President Kamala Harris is able to break a tie.