Portman nomination moves forward - UPDATED

Last night, the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee approved U.S. Trade Representative Rob Portman’s nomination to become the nation’s new budget director.

This morning, Sen. Jim Bunning, R-Southgate, said the Budget Committee, of which he is a member, also plans to hold a vote on Portman's nomination.

Bunning, who introduced Portman at the committee's hearing two weeks ago, proclaimed to reporters this morning that he predicts the vote will be "unanimous" for Portman.

Portman, a Terrace Park Republican and former Cincinnati area congressman, won the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee's approval on a voice vote.

If approved by the Budget Committee, he still must be approved by the full Senate.

As director of the Office of Management and Budget, Portman would oversee the nation’s $2.8 trillion federal budget and work closely with the Bush administration to reduce the federal budget deficit.

UPDATE:

The Senate Budget Committee voted today to back Portman's nomination as director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Chairman Judd Gregg, R-N.H., said: "Rob Portman is an excellent choice to lead the OMB. His extensive legislative and executive branch service will be invaluable as we focus on continuing strong economic trends of robust job creation and surging revenues. At the same time, we are facing the challenges of a shifting demographic - the retirement of the baby boom generation - which will put enormous pressure on the nation's fiscal resources. Rob will be a tremendous asset as Congress and the administration work to keep pro-growth economic and tax policies in place, restrain spending, and ensure economic stability for future generations."

Ranking Member Kent Conrad, D-N.D., said: "I voted in the Budget Committee today to confirm Rob Portman as the new OMB Director. I have high regard for him personally and for his skills as public servant. Ambassador Portman has a very tough job ahead of him. He is inheriting a budget outlook of massive deficits and debt. I hope under his leadership the Bush administration will change course from the failed economic policies it has pursued since taking office. We must begin to put our fiscal house back in order."