In July, White House Office of Management and Budget director Peter Orszag could be leaving his post. Officials close to Orszag have said he would be leaving for a while, but the July date was only just lately announced to the public. The White House OMB director carries significant financial and political clout within the government. Though names are being considered, no solid replacement has been appointed yet.
How Orszag controlled the budget
As head of the Office of Management and Budget, Peter Orszag has held a cabinet-level position. The OMB is charged with creating the annual White House budget that is sent to Congress. The Congressional Budget Office also receives support from the OMB, when requested. While in the position of spending budget head, Peter Orszag championed two major pieces of legislation — the stimulus bill and health care reform.
In 1997, Peter Orszag started his first job inside the White House. Before moving up to OMB director, Orszag held a variety of economic jobs inside the White House. From January 2007 to November 2008, Peter Orszag served as head of the Congressional Budget Office. Peter Orszag has also made a name for himself as an official White House blogger on budget issues.
Peter Orszag’s replacement?
The replacement candidates for Peter Orszag have not yet been officially announced. However, political watchers have been throwing names around already. It is probably the replacement will be someone already working within the White House staff. Some think it might be Rob Nabors, who is already attending senior staff meetings. The Economic Recovery Advisory Board may prove an additional place to pull a possible replacement. Whoever this new budget guru is going to be, they will face tough challenges and lots of political pressure.
