Obama Looking to Trim Budget Waste

Barack Obama’s economy-oriented speaking spree continued on Tuesday, with a third speech planned for Wednesday. Tuesday’s talk focused on eliminating federal budget waste and introducing new additions to his economic team.

The New York Times:

The president-elect, speaking to reporters in Chicago to introduce another key member of his economic team, also offered insight into the way he interpreted the election results that carried him to power. He said his victory was “decisive,” but brought with it a sense of humility that underscored the need for bipartisanship.

As expected, Mr. Obama said that he would nominate Peter R. Orszag to be director of the Office of Management and Budget. Mr. Orszag has been director of the Congressional Budget Office for nearly two years; he has worked in both the Bush and Clinton administrations.

Mr. Obama said he would nominate Rob Nabors, staff director of the House Appropriations Committee, to be Mr. Orszag’s deputy.

“Budget reform is not an option, it’s a necessity,” Mr. Obama said. After focusing Monday on financial rescue efforts and the rough outlines of his planned stimulus package, he concentrated Tuesday on budget issues.

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