Entitled to Know

Alex Wayne with Congressional Quarterly reports the Senate Finance Committee won't consider President Bush's nomination of Andrew Biggs to serve in the number two position in the Social Security Administration. That basically kills this nomination, unless the President chooses to make a recess appointment. And why the lack of support for Mr. Biggs? We wrote the Senate in November warning about this appointment. In the letter Barbara Kennelly said:

"Mr. Biggs has been a committed proponent of privatization both prior to, and during, his tenure as an official in the Bush administration and has a history of using his position with the Social Security Administration as a platform for advancing private accounts,"

"Bush nominated Biggs last November and the 109th Congress adjourned before he was granted a confirmation hearing. Emily Lawrimore, a White House spokeswoman, said Bush would not withdraw Biggs' nomination, opening the door to a possible recess appointment. 'It's a bad idea to give the No. 2 position at the Social Security Administration to someone who still supports that failed proposal,' Baucus said. The position is a six-year term. Biggs declined to comment and referred questions to the White House."