In a brief statement, the moderate West Virginia Democrat said Tanden’s remarks on Twitter about Republican colleagues, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and Senator Bernie Sanders, an independent, led him to doubt whether she had the right fit is.
“I have thoroughly reviewed Neera Tanden’s public statements and tweets personally addressed to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, from Senator Sanders to Senator McConnell and others. I believe her overtly biased statements have a toxic and detrimental impact on the important work will have. relationship between members of Congress and the next director of the Office of Management and Budget, “Manchin said in a statement.” For this reason, I can not support her nomination. “
Manchin’s announcement means that unless a Republican senator comes forward to support Tanden’s nomination, she’s unlikely to be confirmed for the post. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has a narrow majority in a 50-50 Senate. Because Democrats control the White House, Vice President Kamala Harris could break ties, but without Manchin’s support, Democrats would not have the votes on their own.
“As I have said before, we must take sensible steps to end the political divisions and dysfunctions that permeate our politics. In a time of severe crisis, it is more important than ever to chart a new dual course. “brings what helps address the many serious people. challenges facing our country,” Manchin said.
This story has been updated.