Mr. Chairman, I’m pleased to have the opportunity to introduce my former Congressman and former Chairman of the House Budget Committee.
Thank you, Chairman Lieberman, for holding a hearing on this important nomination.
I’ve known Jim Nussle for nearly 30 years. I first met him when, as a college student, he drove me around the state of Iowa as I campaigned for my first run for the United States Senate in 1980.
Jim Nussle was elected to the U.S. House in 1991, at the age of 30. Congressman Nussle quickly rose through the ranks to chair a Committee and he excelled in that leadership position.
One thing Congressman Nussle and I share is our strong belief that we here in Washington hold a great responsibility to be wise stewards of the taxpayer’s money. He took very seriously this responsibility early in his Congressional career.
Few worked as hard to ferret out wasteful and unnecessary federal spending as Congressman Nussle. If confirmed, I’m certain he’ll continue to be one of the taxpayers best advocates.
As Chairman of the House Budget Committee, Jim Nussle didn't just focus on the short-term goals. He looked down the road at the long-term challenges. An example is the Deficit Reduction Act. With Jim's leadership at the Budget Committee, this was an important first step in reforming our entitlement spending. This step saved taxpayers nearly $40 billion over 5 years.
Jim also understands that the federal budget process can be improved. He chaired a bipartisan task force in the late 1990's, and developed a bipartisan initiative - the Comprehensive Budget Process Reform Act in 1998 - with then-Congressman Ben Cardin. With this project, he demonstrated his ability to work across the aisle and develop a bipartisan product.
This respect for the other side continued during his time as Budget Chairman. Chairman Spratt intends to testify to this effect later this week at a hearing of the Senate Budget Committee.
Given Congressman Nussle’s experience, knowledge and commitment to public service, it is fitting that he’s been nominated to be the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Jim Nussle is a highly-qualified candidate for this post in the President's cabinet. He knows the budget; he knows Congress; and he is a decent and honorable public servant.
Jim Nussle has my respect, my trust and my confidence. I hope this committee will see fit to favorable report his nomination so the full Senate may act prior to the August recess.