Black History

Shalonda Young Joins Joe Biden’s Cabinet as Director of the Budget Office

In a bi-partisan vote of 61-36, Shalanda Young becomes the first Black woman to head the department that oversees the government’s budget. Before her appointment Young served almost a year as acting director of OMB during a time when, according to the White House, the government spent over $1.3 trillion in appropriations for disaster aid and COVID-19 response aid.

Published

4 years ago

March 21, 2022

Oakland Post

Shalanda Young. ABHmuseum.org photo.

By Post Staff

Confirmed by the Senate on Tuesday to become director of the White House Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young becomes the fifth Black woman appointed to President Joe Biden’s Cabinet thereby continuing to fulfill his campaign promise to diversify the leadership in his administration.

In a bi-partisan vote of 61-36, Young becomes the first Black woman to head the department that oversees the government’s budget. Before her appointment Young served almost a year as acting director of OMB during a time when, according to the White House, the government spent over $1.3 trillion in appropriations for disaster aid and COVID-19 response aid.

Before her nomination went to the Senate, Young had the backing of key Democrats and Republicans alike including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and the Congressional Black Caucus.

Upon hearing of her confirmation, Rep. Barbara Lee, senior member of the House Appropriations Committee and Chair of the Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, released a statement congratulating Young.

Lee worked closely with Young during her time as Staff Director for the House Appropriations Committee.

“In my time working with Shalanda Young on the Appropriations committee, she was one of the most talented, strategic, and well-respected staff members on Capitol Hill.

“I have no doubt that she will continue her legislative mastery as the first Black woman director of OMB. It makes me very proud that she’s finally cleared this nomination process, and I can’t wait to continue working with her in her new role.”

The Louisiana native who attended Tulane University and Loyola University New Orleans also drew high praise from Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Monday ahead of the vote.

“It shouldn’t have taken this long to confirm someone as obviously qualified as Shalanda Young,” Schumer said from the Senate floor. “She’s been leading the OMB for nearly a year. She knows the budget and appropriations processes like the back of her hand. She’s proven capable of working with Republicans and Democrats alike. And it was through her guidance the administration notched some of its biggest victories including the passage of the bipartisan infrastructure law.”

The Hill, CNNnews and the press office of Rep. Barbara Lee were the sources for this report.