Biden Announces Interim Agency Heads as Confirmations Continue
President Joe Biden has announced several temporary agency heads as he awaits the confirmation of his nominees. Most of these interim leaders are career civil servants who know their agencies well. On Inauguration Day, for the first time in recent history, the president had none of his cabinet members confirmed by the Senate.
Former President Trump had two cabinet members in place by his Inauguration Day, and Former President Obama had six of his nominees confirmed in time for his inauguration.
One of the largest points of contention regarding Biden’s nominees was the nomination of retired Gen. Lloyd Austin for Secretary of Defense. Lloyd needed a Congressional waiver to head the Department of Defense since he has only been retired from military service for four years, instead of the required seven. Former President Trump’s first defense secretary, Gen. James Mattis, was also given a waiver by Congress when he was appointed.
Over the last week, five of President Biden’s Cabinet nominees have sat before the Senate for their confirmation hearings, including Janet Yellen to lead the Department of the Treasury, Alejandro Mayorkas to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Antony Blinken for the Secretary of State, retired Gen. Lloyd Austin for Secretary of Defense, and Avril Haines to lead the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Avril Haines, Janet Yellen, Gen. Lloyd Austin, and Anthony Blinken have been confirmed.
Vice-President Kamala Harris said of the interim agency heads, “Protecting our nation’s interests abroad, rebuilding our economy, and confronting the coronavirus pandemic requires a team of dedicated experts. I, on behalf of a grateful nation, am thankful for their willingness to temporarily serve in these critical first days of the administration.”
The temporary heads of agencies include Tami Perriello at the Small Business Administration and Kathy McGettigan at the Office of Personnel Management. A full list of the interim heads can be found here.
