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The new US President Joe Biden suffered a setback for the first time when his cabinet members and heads of authorities were confirmed by the Senate.
The president said on Tuesday evening (local time) that he accepted Neera Tanden's resignation as a candidate for the head of the government's budget office (OMB).
Many Republicans and at least one Democratic senator had turned down Tanden's candidacy.
They criticized earlier statements by Tandens, who had expressed themselves very disparagingly about leading Republicans on Twitter, among other things.
The Budget Office (OMB) is a lesser-known authority, but it is very important for the running of government business.
With the withdrawal of the candidacy, Biden was spared a foreseeable defeat in the vote in the Senate.
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So far, Biden has been able to push through his candidates for ministerial posts and authorities in the Senate with a non-partisan majority.
The Democrats alone currently hold exactly 50 of the 100 seats in the Senate.
The Chamber of Congress must approve all top government personalities.
Biden said he had "the greatest respect" for Tanden, for their experience and advice.
He is looking forward to bringing her to the government's service in a different role.
Tanden said in a letter to Biden circulated by the White House that she was honored to be nominated for the post.
"Unfortunately, it now seems clear that there is no way to be confirmed (by the Senate)," wrote Tanden accordingly.
She wanted to prevent sticking to the nomination from becoming a burden for the government.