On May 5, 2023, President Joe Biden announced that Neera Tanden would succeed Susan Rice as the White House’s domestic policy adviser. Tanden has worked as a Democratic aide for many years and has served in two presidential administrations.
She is now the first Indian-American to serve as chair of one of the three main White House policy councils, making history with her selection. She will have one of the top policy roles in the administration, with responsibility for practically all sectors besides economics and national security.
Tanden most recently worked as Biden’s staff secretary, where she was in charge of keeping track of appointments, briefing materials, and other papers that were to be sent to the president. Prior to that, she served as president of the liberal policy advocacy and research group Center for American Progress (CAP).
“I am pleased to announce that Neera Tanden will continue to drive the formulation and implementation of my domestic policy, from economic mobility and racial equity to health care, immigration, and education,” said President Biden in a statement announcing her appointment. She has now been given the position of staff secretary at my request, since I am confident in her ability to provide the best guidance and advice.
Tanden served as the Center for American Progress’ president and CEO from 2011 to 2021 and was a key contributor to the organization’s foundation in 2003. “In a town where personnel often equals policy, there could not be a better appointment to the Domestic Policy Council than Neera Tanden, a brilliant champion for hard-working Americans who has never forgotten where she comes from,” said Patrick Gaspard, current president and CEO of CAP, following the announcement of her appointment. Neera is frequently lauded for her strategic aptitude, extensive knowledge, and capability for coalition building. But we shouldn’t discount her values-based leadership, which makes her the perfect choice for this position at this crucial juncture.
Neera, a seasoned policymaker who was raised by a single mother, is constantly working to make sure thatchoices made in Washington, D.C., enhance the lives of individuals well outside the Beltway. Neera has had a significant influence on many of the most significant pieces of legislation passed this century, from investments in our infrastructure to access to health care. Of course, she was equally important in the development of CAP and in embedding the principle of inclusion in our efforts to fortify this democracy.
Neera Tanden is the only person I can think of who would be a better domestic policy council leader.
Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28), the chair of CAPAC, added her thoughts and said,
“I applaud President Biden on his unprecedented appointment of Neera Tanden as the President’s Assistant and Domestic Policy Advisor. Tanden has a wealth of experience and will be able to serve the President expertly, formulating policy and mobilizing federal resources to enhance the lives of all Americans. Tanden is the first Asian American to ever serve as the head of any of the three major White House policy councils. In order to make sure that the policy requirements of our communities are met, I look forward to CAPAC’s continuous interaction with her.
The President’s continued commitment to a diverse federal workforce and making sure all of our communities’ views are heard is underscored by the fact that this announcement coincides with Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Tanden’s nomination comes at a time when the Biden administration is dealing with complicated immigration issues and promising to undo many of the restrictive measures put in place by its Republican predecessor, Donald Trump.
