Dudley May Return to the Hill for Confirmation Hearing

OMB Watch has learned a Senate panel may formally reconsider the long dormant nomination of Susan Dudley to become the White House's regulatory czar. Dudley — whose 2006 nomination stalled in the Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee (HSGAC) — could reappear before that committee if Chairman Joe Lieberman (I-CT) pushes forward. In 2006, President Bush nominated Dudley to be administrator of the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) within OMB. Dudley blindly opposes any form of government regulation regardless of its potential benefit to society, thus making her an illogical choice to head the office which reviews the rules agencies develop. Because of this, public interest groups opposed Dudley's nomination, and a Republican-controlled HSGAC did not think it a high enough priority to address last fall. Never to be discouraged by the opinion of the people he governs, Bush renominated Dudley in January. A day later, Bush named Dudley a senior advisor in OIRA. If HSGAC decides to reexamine Dudley's record, we certainly hope they will realize she is not fit for the position and reject her nomination. If not, we expect Bush to appoint her during a Congressional recess this year. Stay tuned to Reg•Watch for more. For the full story on Dudley, check out Public Citizen and OMB Watch's report The Cost Is Too High.
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