Pelosi Statement on Douglas Elmendorf's Appointment as Director of the CBO

January 22, 2009

Washington, D.C. - Speaker Nancy Pelosi released the following statement regarding Dr. Douglas W. Elmendorf's appointment as the new Director of the Congressional Budget Office. Today, Speaker Pelosi and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Robert Byrd made this appointment following the recommendations from both the House and Senate Budget Committees.

"Congress and the nation will be well-served by the enormous intellectual capacity Dr. Elmendorf brings to the Congressional Budget Office. With a broad range of legislative and executive branch experience, he will serve as the Congress' non-partisan guardian of responsible budgeting and fiscal discipline.

"The analysis CBO provides is essential to effective governance, to restoring fiscal integrity, and reducing the deficit. This is why Congress welcomes Dr. Elmendorf's willingness to again serve the nation at this critical time for our economy."

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In a joint statement on December 30, 2008, Speaker Pelosi and House Budget Committee Chairman John Spratt announced their support for Dr. Elmendorf to head the CBO. For this statement and additional background information, please click here. Speaker Pelosi and President Pro Tempore of the Senate Byrd's appointment Elmendorf is below: