Friday, January 8, 2021

The Incoming Biden/Harris Administration Announces More Economic Cabinet Choices and Expands the National Security Council

President-Elect Joe Biden and Vice President-Elect Kamala Harris have announced more selections to fill economic and domestic cabinet positions.

They have also announced an expansion of their incoming National Security Council which will include portfolios in global health, cybersecurity, and expanding Democracy.

The new cabinet positions are:

  • Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo for Secretary of Commerce.
  • Boston Mayor Marty Walsh for Secretary of Labor.
  • California Director of Small Business Advocate Isabel Guzman as Small Business Administrator.
  • Former Deputy Secretary of Treasury Don Graves for Deputy Commerce Secretary.

Please click here to read the biographies of each nominee.

On the new nominees, President-Elect Biden wrote:

“This team will help us emerge from the most inequitable economic and jobs crisis in modern history by building an economy where every American is in on the deal. They share my belief that the middle class built this country and that unions built the middle class. They know how to work with states, cities, small towns, and tribal communities, along with labor, entrepreneurs, and businesses to get things done for American workers. They will work tirelessly to ensure every American enjoys a fair return for their work and an equal chance to get ahead, and that our businesses can thrive and outcompete the rest of the world. They will be ready on day one.”

Vice President-Elect Harris stated:

“As we work to contain this pandemic and open our economy responsibly, we must also build our economy back better so it lifts up all Americans. The outstanding team of public servants we are announcing today will protect and expand workers’ rights, provide access to capital for small business owners, and invest in American innovation and competitiveness. And I look forward to working alongside them and the rest of our economic team to help create millions of good-paying, union jobs and build an economy that’s not only stronger, but fairer for working people.”

Expanding the National Security Council. 

The Biden/Harris Transition Team also announced new members to an expanded National Security Council. According to reporting from the Washington Post, the areas of expansion will include:

"...establishing new senior positions on global health, democracy and human rights, and cyber and emerging technology."

Among the notable new members of the National Security Council are:

  • Elizabeth Cameron as the Senior Director for Global Health Security and Biodefense.
  • Tarun Chhabra as the Senior Director for Technology and National Security.
  • Shanthi Kalathil as the Coordinator for Democracy and Human Rights.
  • Andrea Kendall-Taylor as the Senior Director for Russia and Central Asia.
  • Melanie Nakagawa as the Senior Director for Climate and Energy.
  • Yohannes Abraham as the NSC Chief of Staff and Executive Secretary
  • Jon Finer as the Principal Deputy National Security Advisor.
  • Brett H. McGurk as the Coordinator for the Middle East and North Africa.

Earlier on December 30, 2020, President-Elect Biden and Vice President-Elect Harris announced Dr. Kathleen Hicks as Deputy Secretary of Defense and Dr. Colin Kahl as Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.

Please click here to read their biographies.

Commenting on these new additions to the Defense Department and National Security Council, President-Elect Biden said:

"These respected, accomplished civilian leaders will help lead the Department of Defense with integrity and resolve, safeguard the lives and interests of the American people, and ensure that we fulfill our most sacred obligation: to equip and protect those who serve our country, and to care for them and their families both during and after their service. Dr. Kath Hicks and Dr. Colin Kahl have the broad experience and crisis-tested judgment necessary to help tackle the litany of challenges we face today, and all those we may confront tomorrow. They will be trusted partners to me, the vice president-elect, and Secretary-designate Austin — as well as our dedicated civilian and military team — as we work to restore responsible American leadership on the world stage.”

“The National Security Council plays a critical role in keeping our nation safe and secure. These crisis-tested, deeply experienced public servants will work tirelessly to protect the American people and restore America’s leadership in the world. They will ensure that the needs of working Americans are front and center in our national security policymaking, and our country will be better for it."

Vice President-Elect Harris stated:

“As we work to contain this pandemic and reopen our economy, we must uphold our responsibility to keep the American people safe and secure. Dr. Kathleen Hicks and Dr. Colin Kahl are dedicated public servants who will be strong civilian voices at the Defense Department, and they have the knowledge and experience to hit the ground running on day one. I look forward to working with them and Secretary-designate Austin to support our service members and their families, rebuild our global alliances and partnerships, and make sure the United States is prepared to address new threats and challenges.”

“This outstanding team of dedicated public servants will be ready to hit the ground running on day one to address the transnational challenges facing the American people — from climate to cyber. They reflect the very best of our nation and they have the knowledge and experience to help build our nation back better for all Americans.”

With these latest selections, the makeup of the leading positions in the Biden/Harris Administration is:

White Women: 25

Black Women: 16

Latino Women: 7

Asian Women: 7

Native American Women: 1

White Men: 20

Black Men: 4

Latino Men: 7

Asian Men: 6

Native American Men: 0

The only major positions left to nominate are the heads of the Central Intelligence Agency, N.A.S.A., and various deputy secretary and ambassadorial positions.

  

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