Panel approves Bush pick to head OMB

Trade Representative Rob Portman won unanimous approval Tuesday from the Senate Budget Committee to become Office of Management and Budget director.

The nomination now goes to the full Senate. If approved, Portman would succeed White House Chief of Staff Joshua Bolten.

Budget Chairman Judd Gregg, R-N.H., who held up the vote over a dispute with the White House on border security funding, praised Portman.

"Rob will be a tremendous asset as Congress and the administration work to keep pro-growth economic and tax policies in place, restrain spending, and ensure economic stability for future generations," he said.