Former Iowa Congressman Jim Nussle says he is “eager” to begin his new job as President Bush’s budget director.
Nussle’s new title is director of the Office of Management and Budget. A White House ceremony was held today to swear in Nussle as OMB chief. Nussle told the crowd he is honored to work for President Bush and will work toward a goal of balancing the federal budget at this “critical time.”
But Nussle also said the nation’s long-term fiscal health is challenged by the “unsustainable growth” in the Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid systems, and Nussle said he’ll try to get congress to enact changes in those programs. Nussle concluded his remarks by saying “his experience, optimism, work ethic and success have all come from his family and friend and the people of Iowa.”
Nussle served eight terms as a congressman from Iowa and was the Iowa GOP’s candidate for governor in 2006. The U.S. Senate confirmed Nussle as the president’s budget director last week on a 69 to 24 vote.