WASHINGTON (JTA) — President Obama nominated Jacob Lew, an Orthodox Jew, as director of the Office of Management and Budget.
Lew, who held the top OMB post under President Clinton, is a deputy secretary of state for management and resources. He would succeed Peter Orszag, who also is Jewish.
His current position parallels within the State Department the OMB mission of prioritizing government spending.
"As the budget director who left the next administration a $237 billion surplus when he worked for President Clinton, I have no doubt that Jack has proven himself equal to this extraordinary task," Obama said Tuesday in announcing the nomination, which as a Cabinet-level position must be confirmed by the U.S. Senate.
Lew reportedly has clashed with his counterpart at the State Department, James Steinberg, who is also a deputy secretary.
Orszag reportedly is leaving to facilitate his move to New York, the home of his fiancee, ABC News reporter Bianna Golodryga.
