US panel sets nominee hearing amid tax questions

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate Finance Committee has scheduled a hearing next Wednesday on the nomination of Timothy Geithner, President-elect Barack Obama's pick for Treasury chief.

As a result, Geithner will not be able to be confirmed in time to take office next Tuesday, when Obama is sworn in as president.

Democrats and Republicans on the panel voiced support for Geithner on Wednesday despite disclosures this week that he failed to pay $34,000 in taxes several years ago. And, panel chairman Max Baucus, a Democrat, says Geithner's confirmation is "a given."

Republican Sen. Orrin G. Hatch calls his tax problems "a mistake that a human being can make," and Republican Pat Roberts says he will probably vote to confirm Geithner.

Geithner has paid back the taxes he owed.