Washington (dpa) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner stepped
down from office on Friday as Congress prepares to interview his
likely successor, former U.S. budget chief Jack Lew.
Geithner, 51, spent four tumultuous years helping to shepherd the
country out of the recession that prevailed when US President Barack
Obama took office in January 2009.
Cabinet members often leave office after their president is
elected for a second term.
Lew was nominated by Obama earlier this month as Geithner's
successor, an appointment that must be confirmed by the Senate.
In the interim, Deputy Treasury Secretary Neal Wolin will serve as
acting secretary.
Despite signs of an economic rebound, Lew would have to chart
political and financial storms over spending, taxes and debt limit in
standoff between the Democratic administration and Republicans who
control the House of Representatives.
