President Obama is losing his top legislative official.
The Hill reported that Katie Beirne Fallon, who serves as the president’s legislative affairs director, is leaving the White House after two years on the job.
Fallon was a major asset to Obama when it came to winning fights with Congress on the budget, trade, and the Iran nuclear deal. Her exit could signal troubled waters for the president when he attempts to accomplish his agenda in his last year in the White House.
Fallon, who gave birth last April, is married to Brian Fallon, currently a spokesman for Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign. She was appointed to her post in 2013, formerly serving in the offices of Sens. Harry Reid (D., Nev.) and Chuck Schumer (D., N.Y.). Obama celebrated Fallon in a statement Friday, calling her a "close adviser" and a "good friend."
"Republicans and Democrats in Congress have their differences--but when it comes to Katie, they’re united in their admiration and respect. She came into her role at a time when we needed to build up our relationships with folks in both parties," Obama said. "And from bipartisan budget agreements, to protecting a deal that will prevent a nuclear Iran, to ensuring the long-stalled Ex-Im and IMF reforms were enacted, we simply could not have made the progress we’ve made without her."
Fallon will be replaced by Amy Rosenbaum, the current deputy director of legislative affairs.
Obama has lost a number of allies and advisers in recent months. The president lost top advisers on ISIS, Russia, and cyber security in September and October of last year, resignations that were followed by that of Education Secretary Arne Duncan.