US President-elect Joe Biden has repeatedly promised to build a government that “looks like America”. And a peep into his new economic team indicates that he is moving towards that direction as he announced on Monday key members of his economic team, including Janet Yellen as Secretary of the Treasury, Neera Tanden as Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and Wally Adeyemo as Deputy Secretary of the Treasury.
Cecilia Rouse, will be the Chair of the Council of Economic Advisers; and Jared Bernstein and Heather Boushey, members of the Council of Economic Advisers.
By becoming the director of the Office of Management and Budget that oversees the administration’s budget and federal agencies, Neera has become the first Indian-American to be appointed to a federal cabinet in a Democratic administration.
“As we get to work to control the virus, this is the team that will deliver immediate economic relief for the American people during this economic crisis and help us build our economy back better than ever,” President-elect Biden said in a statement announcing the new appointments.
“This team looks like America and brings seriousness of purpose, the highest degree of competency, and unwavering belief in the promise of America. They will be ready on day one to get to work for all Americans.”
Biden also announced a path-breaking all-female press team for his White House with Jen Psaki as the most visible face of the team as press secretary. She is a veteran from the Obama administration.
Biden had earlier chosen Kamala Harris as his running mate. She is now the first woman, first black and first American of Indian, Asian and South Asian descent elected vice-president.
As for Tanden, she is the first Indian-American in the cabinet of a Democrat president, but overall second—Nikki Haley was the first when President Donald Trump appointed her as the country’s ambassador to the UN.