WASHINGTON, DC – House Majority Leader Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today after President Bush announced the resignation of Office of Management and Budget Director Rob Portman – who served in the House for six terms – and the nomination of former Congressman Jim Nussle (R-IA) to replace him:

“Even though I have disagreed with Rob on a number of important issues over the years, I have deep respect for him and believe that he was an effective legislator and one of the finest public servants with whom I have served in the House.  Rob has a keen intellect and the highest integrity, and he has always demonstrated a willingness to work with Members on both sides of the aisle in a civil and constructive manner.

“It is absolutely imperative in the days ahead that the Administration – including the new OMB Director – and Republicans in Congress recognize that the fiscal policies implemented and pursued from 2001 through 2006 have failed, and that they join Democrats in restoring fiscal responsibility.  Over the last six years, the Administration and former Republican majorities in Congress pursued the most irresponsible fiscal policies in our nation’s history, turning a projected 10-year budget surplus of $5.6 trillion into a projected budget deficit of some $3 trillion.  We must restore fiscal responsibility because our current fiscal course is simply not sustainable.”

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