Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. Senate approved a measure on Thursday aimed at ending budget-related air traffic controller furloughs that have been blamed for widespread flight delays this week.

CNN: Senate approves plan to end FAA furloughs

Mr. Obama chose Daniel Werfel, the controller of the Office of Management and Budget, equivalent to the government's chief financial officer.

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Daniel Werfel, a controller for the Office of Management and Budget, told a Senate panel last week that furloughs won't happen until after agencies negotiate with unions, and that's not expected to be finished until after March 1.

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The Senate legislation, crafted by lawmakers in both parties, would give the Transportation Department, which administers the Federal Aviation Administration, more budget flexibility to reduce the number of air-traffic controller furloughs, which had caused this week's flight delays.

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Werfel was named as Controller of Office of Federal Financial Management of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by the President in July 2009.

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