By: Sarah Gomez, Staff Writer
Joe Biden’s recent win for the presidency did more than make Kamala Harris the first Black, south-Asian woman to be vice president. The cabinet Biden announced is set to increase diversity all around, by nominating what he claims to be the most diverse presidential cabinet in history. His cabinet includes people of various races and ethnicities, but also an impressive mix of women. The cabinet includes nine women, five of whom are women of color.
Without further ado, we have the women nominated for Biden’s cabinet.
Marcia Fudge, nominee for secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Marcia Fudge is a Democratic African American woman from Ohio. Marcia Fudge’s notable political history includes being a U.S. representative for the state of Ohio and mayor of Warrensville Heights Ohio. Her beliefs are closely aligned with far-left Democratic views and she is to manage multiple programs in the housing division. In addition to this, Fudge aims to increase affordable housing and rent assistance.
Fudge’s confirmation hearing was held on January 28th, 2021.
Jennifer Granholm, nominee for secretary of Energy
Jennifer Granholm is a member of the Democratic party, a former attorney general of Michigan, and former governor of Michigan. She is a strong believer in climate change and has spoken out on the need for clean energy jobs. However, in the past this position has been a front for nuclear weapons, so this new direction will hopefully focus on climate policy.
Granholm’s confirmation hearing was held on January 27th, 2021.
Deb Haaland, nominee for secretary of the Interior
Deb Haaland is a Native American woman enrolled as a member of the Laguna Pueblo. Deb Haaland has served as New Mexico’s vote director for Native Americans and as the chair of New Mexico’s Democratic party. As a Native American, many are hoping she will undo previous wrongs done to the native populations. Haaland would be the first Native American cabinet secretary, where she will oversee natural resources and tribal land.
It is currently unclear as to when Haaland is to have her confirmation hearing.
Gina Raimondo, nominee for secretary of Commerce
Gina Raimondo is the governor of Rhode Island and was the previous treasurer of the state. She is a Democrat who is credited with helping to boost the economy in Rhode Island. Once confirmed, Raimondo will be tasked with reporting to Biden with information regarding businesses, universities, and the economy.
Raimondo’s confirmation hearing was held on January 26th, 2021.
Janet Yellen, nominee for secretary of the Treasury
Janet Yellen was a member of the Federal Reserve Board of governor for a total of 11 years; she is also known for chairing the council of economic advisers during the Clinton administration. She is an economist who has worked with past presidents and even the Federal Reserve Bank. As secretary of the treasury, she will be tasked with advising on domestic and foreign finances and other economic issues.
Yellen was confirmed on January 26th, 2021.
Isabel Guzman, nominee for administrator of the Small Business Administration
Isabel Guzman has served as a California office of small business advocate and deputy chief of staff to the administrator of the small business administration. The state of many small businesses are not well during the pandemic, however, many believe Guzman can help small business owners. As the administrator of the Small Business Administration, she will be responsible for overseeing programs to assist small businesses in various areas.
The confirmation hearing for Guzman has yet to be scheduled.
Avril Haines, nominee for director of National Intelligence
Avril Haines served on the senate foreign relations committee and as deputy director of the CIA. With her previous history with the spy agency, it was no surprise that she was Biden’s pick for the position. As director of national intelligence, Haines will be tasked with overlooking the National Intelligence Program and reporting these matters to Biden.
Haines’ was confirmed by the Senate on January 27th, 2021.
Katherine Tai, nominee for U.S. trade representative
Katherine Tai is a Chinese American with both her parents originating from mainland China. Katherine Tai has served as the chief for the U.S. House Committee on Ways and Means and has also worked on trade cases at the World Trade Organization. Having been nominated for representative, she is to coordinate international trade and commodity. Tai is to be put in charge of trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement.
Though her confirmation has yet to be scheduled, we can expect it to occur in the coming weeks.
Neera Tanden, nominee for director of the Office of Budget Management
Neera Tanden is an Indian American woman, daughter of two Indian immigrants. Neera Tanden is known for working on several Democratic presidential campaigns and helping draft the Affordable Care Act. Biden will be the third president Tanden works under, having previously worked with Clinton and Obama. As the director of the Office of Budget Management, Tanden will be tasked with managing Biden’s budget.
Tanden’s confirmation hearing has not yet been scheduled.