Lew set to start as Treasury secretary as budget cuts loom

WASHINGTON (AP) — Jacob Lew is scheduled to be sworn in Thursday as Treasury secretary and will have to hit the ground running.

He is taking over the job just a day before huge automatic government spending cuts are set to take effect. He’s likely to be involved with any negotiations to reverse the cuts, and also in budget talks next month to continue funding the government.

The Senate confirmed Lew late Wednesday, affirming President Barack Obama’s choice of a budget expert at a time when Congress and the White House are at odds over spending and taxes.

“At this critical time for our economy...