DNC Vice Chair Rep. Grace Meng and DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Bel Leong-Hong released the following statement on President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris’s nomination of Neera Tanden to serve as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

“With Neera Tanden’s historic nomination, President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris continue their commitment to building an inclusive Cabinet that looks like America and reflects our nation’s rich diversity. As the first member of the AAPI community and first woman of color to lead OMB, Neera is a trailblazer whose leadership will be critical to elevating AAPI voices in key policy conversations, and building our economy back stronger and more equitable than ever before.

“Throughout her career, Neera has proven herself many times over as a strong leader with the experience and policy expertise needed to translate progressive values into action. As one of the architects of the Affordable Care Act, Neera helped expand access to health care for millions of Americans, including no co-pay birth control for more than 55 million women. Just as importantly, she has lived the challenges that so many Americans are facing today. As a daughter of immigrants, Neera was raised by a single mother who depended on public assistance programs like food stamps and Section 8 housing to make ends meet. Neera knows firsthand the pivotal role that government can play in creating an economy that works for working families. We know Neera will carry her family’s story with her into the Cabinet as she shapes budgets that protect and strengthen vital programs, and continues proposing bold and innovative solutions to meet the scale of the crises our country must confront.

“A budget is a statement of values, and Neera’s leadership and lived experience make her uniquely qualified to fight for the dignity and priorities of working families at OMB. We applaud her nomination and look forward to working alongside her to build an economy that gives everyone a fair shot at the American Dream.”