Duckworth and Hirono back off threat to oppose Biden nominees after White House
The move came after a tense Monday exchange between Duckworth and a top Biden aide, followed by a series of conversations Tuesday and ultimately a decision by the White House to install a senior-level aide responsive to a community that has suffered an uptick in violent and racist attacks since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.
Seeking to cool tensions with the Illinois Democrat and Hirono — a Hawaii Democrat — the White House agreed to add a senior Asian American and Pacific Islander liaison and pledge to elevate diverse voices to the highest levels of government.
“The President has made it clear that his Administration will reflect the diversity of the country,” White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. “That has always been, and remains our goal. The White House will add a senior level Asian American Pacific Islander liaison, who will ensure the community’s voice is further represented and heard.”
Earlier, Duckworth had told CNN she felt the White House’s attempts to address her worries about Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in the administration were insulting.
“To be told that you have Kamala Harris, we are very proud of her, you don’t need anybody else, is insulting,” Duckworth said, adding she’s been told that “multiple times” by the White House.
“That’s not something you would say to the Black caucus — that you have Kamala — we’re not going to be putting any African Americans in the Cabinet — why would you say that to AAPIs?”
But a Duckworth spokesman said Tuesday night that she appreciated the administration’s gesture and would drop the threat.
“Sen. Duckworth appreciates the Biden Administration’s assurances that it will do much more to elevate AAPI voices and perspectives at the highest levels of government, including appointing an AAPI senior White House official to represent the community, secure the confirmation of AAPI appointments and advance policy proposals that are relevant and important to the community,” said Ben Garmisa, spokesman for Duckworth. “Accordingly, she will not stand in the way of President Biden’s qualified nominees—which will include more AAPI leaders.”
“I welcome the appointment of a senior level White House liaison to the AAPI community to further strengthen our voice,” Hirono tweeted. “I had a productive conversation with the White House today to make clear my perspective about the importance of diversity in the President’s cabinet.”
She added, “Based on the private conversation we had, I will continue voting to confirm the historic and highly qualified nominees President Biden has appointed to serve in his administration.”
If the two Democratic senators had carried through with the threat, the confrontational stand could have put executive branch and judicial picks in jeopardy in a 50-50 Senate if all Republicans voted against one of the President’s nominees. There were concerns the move could imperil a Biden Pentagon pick.
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