Biden's pick for deputy OMB director testifies as Tanden confirmation in jeopardy
On Tuesday, Shalanda Young is appearing before the Senate Budget Committee on her nomination as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Young's appearance comes as criticism over Neera Tanden's nomination for Office of Management and Budget director has led some senators to push for Young to head the office.
Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Ala., the top Republican on the Appropriations Committee, threw his weight behind Young as an alternative to Tanden last week as Tanden's nomination has become jeopardized by her past tweets critical of Republicans.
"I believe she would be good in that role. She’s smart, she knows the process inside-out, and she’s an honest broker who has demonstrated the ability to work with both sides and get things done. She would have my support, and I suspect many of my Republican colleagues would support her, as well," Shelby said in a statement. "But that’s up to the Biden Administration.”
Tanden has had votes in the Budget Committee and the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee postponed as the White House works to secure votes necessary for her confirmation. Tanden met on Monday with Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who said that even after the meeting she is still undecided about how she'll vote on Tanden's confirmation. The White House has maintained support for Tanden.
-ABC News's Allison Pecorin, Trish Turner and Benjamin Siegel