Senator Collins’ Statement on OMB Director Nominee Neera Tanden

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Senator Susan Collins issued the following statement on Neera Tanden, who was nominated to be director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB):

“The director of OMB is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of the federal budget and plays a significant role in any Administration’s fiscal and regulatory agenda.  Congress has to be able to trust the OMB director to make countless decisions in an impartial manner, carrying out the letter of the law and congressional intent.  Neera Tanden has neither the experience nor the temperament to lead this critical agency.  Her past actions have demonstrated exactly the kind of animosity that President Biden has pledged to transcend. 

“In addition, Ms. Tanden’s decision to delete more than a thousand tweets in the days before her nomination was announced raises concerns about her commitment to transparency.  Should Congress need to review documents or actions taken by OMB, we must have confidence that the Director will be forthcoming.

“The OMB needs steady, experienced, responsive leadership.  I will vote against confirming  Ms. Tanden.”