Sanders confronts Tanden in past ‘vicious attacks’

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Teeth of NeeraNeera TandenOn The Money: What’s in the 9 trillion Democrat relief package | Spotlight on proposed stimulus controls | Tanden addresses criticism of GOP Tanden seeks to defuse GOP tensions over tweets Schumer promises Democrats to pass two-track coronavirus bill with impeachment trial MORE, President BidenJoe BidenPostal Service records profits after soaring holiday deliveries. Defense by night: Pentagon pushes to eradicate extremism in the ranks | High Admiral condemns extremism after noose, hate speech found GOP senators sending clear signal: Trump acquitted MOREthe person designated to head the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) who once referred to Sen. Bernie sandersBernie SandersOn The Money: What’s in the Democrats’ 9 Trillion Relief Package | Spotlight on proposed stimulus controls | Tanden Responds to GOP Criticism Tanden Seeks to Defuse GOP Tensions Over Tweets Google Expands Election Security Aid for Federal and State Campaigns READ MORE (I-Vt.) As “mad,” confronted him in a Senate confirmation hearing Wednesday.

Sanders, who is now chair of the Senate Budget Committee, confronted Tanden about her past criticisms when the hearing opened, calling her past attacks “vicious.”

“My language and my expressions on social media have hurt people, and I feel bad about it. And I really regret it and I recognize that it’s really important for me to show that I can work with others, ”she told Sanders.

Tanden, who if confirmed would take on a central political role in the White House, was criticized from both sides of the aisle on her second day of confirmation hearings.

Tanden had been a Senate aide and supporter of Hillary ClintonHillary Diane Rodham Clinton Tanden Seeks to Defuse GOP Tensions Over Tweets Google Expands Election Security Aid for Federal and State Campaigns What I Learned in 19 Weeks of Working with Progressive Democrats MORE before leading the Center for American Progress (CAP) think tank and already come under scrutiny for vitriolic rhetoric against Republicans, especially on Twitter. She apologized to some of those Republicans on Tuesday during her first confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Government Affairs.

But she had also had harsh words before about Sanders, Clinton’s main Democratic presidential rival in 2016.

His. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamSenate Schedules Hearing for Garland Attorney General Appointment Cassidy Calls Trump Lawyers “Disorganized” After Surprise Vote to Proceed OVERNIGHT ENERGY: Senate Advances Biden Appointment EPA pick Regan | Study: Air pollution from fossil fuels linked to 1 in 5 deaths worldwide | Biden has more time to decide on Dakota PLUS access pipeline (RS.C.), a prominent member of the committee, said the comments made his appointment a divisive source.

“His contempt was not confined to Republicans,” he said, before reading one of Tanden’s Tweets: “Russia has done a lot more to help Bernie than the DNC’s random internal emails. did to help Hillary. “

“The point I’m trying to make here is that in times of unity, we choose someone with these sharp elbows, and there will be a consequence for that, hopefully on our side,” he added.

His. John kennedyJohn Neely Kennedy MORE (R-La.) Added his own colorful touch to his questioning.

“You called everything Senator Sanders except an ignorant bitch,” he said.

Sanders did not hesitate to address the issue himself, noting a letter from Republicans on the House Budget Committee compiling a litany of complaints against Tanden.

“I think most of us understand that we are debating the issues and trying to minimize the level of vicious personal attacks that seem to be so prevalent across this country today,” Sanders said.

“Of course, your attacks weren’t just directed against Republicans. There were vicious attacks against progressives, people with whom I worked, me personally,” he added, before asking. for Tanden to “reflect” on its past rhetoric.

Tanden reiterated his regrets.

But Sanders’ criticism didn’t end there.

He also voiced concerns about the large corporate donations solicited by Tanden as head of the CAP, including from big banks and tech companies.

“Before voting on your nomination, it is important for me and the members of this committee to know that the donations you have obtained at CAP will not influence your decision making at OMB,” he said. .

Tanden has promised that these relationships will not impact his decision-making.

Graham, for his part, came to Tanden’s defense on this point.

“Miss Tanden used to receive corporate donations, which is fine with me. I don’t mind you receiving corporate donations as long as they are legal and fully disclosed,” he said.

“I think we all get donations from different groups, that doesn’t mean you’re possessed because someone gives you money, so I’m not going to blame you.”

In both hearings, Tanden received personal introductions from the senator. Amy KlobucharAmy KlobucharDemocrats in Senate call for more resources for Capitol workers after Jan 6 attack on Hillicon Valley: Democratic Senators unveil Bill to reform Section 230 | Labor Commission rejects Amazon’s request to delay local union vote Robinhood lifts restrictions on GameStop, further action Democratic senators introduce bill to limit Section 230 protections READ MORE (D-Minn.) And Sen. Cory bookerCory BookerOvernight Health Care: New COVID-19 Cases Nationwide Drop Below 100K For First Time In 2021 | CDC Warns States Against Lifting Restrictions Against Threat Of Virus Variants | Health officials warn COVID-19 eradication unlikely Black maternal health omnibus package introduced by Democratic lawmakers Booker reintroduces bill to give all newborns, 000 MORE savings accounts (DN.J.), who vouched for Tanden’s abilities and spoke warmly of their friendship.

Tanden herself has tried to soften her image by telling the story of her immigrant mother, whose use of welfare programs helped her build a middle-class life, a story that resonated with Sanders.

“As the son of an immigrant, I understand some of what you’re talking about,” Sanders said.

After Sanders dispensed with the difficult talks at the opening of the hearing, he decided to show the unity between the Progressives and the Biden administration, asking Tanden if she supported a litany of progressive goals such that raising the minimum wage to $ 15 an hour, lowering the age of Medicare eligibility. at age 60, making public college tuition free for low-income people, offering free universal pre-K, and making 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave mandatory.

Tanden answered each point in the affirmative.

Updated at 12:35



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