Biden's Cabinet

In the weeks leading to his inauguration, President Joseph R. Biden had the task of figuring out his cabinet for his administration, keeping his promise to make it as diverse as possible. 

For those who don't know, a presidential cabinet is a group of ‘secretaries’,  a person who runs a certain department of the government. They are handpicked by the president, and then have to be approved by congress and are vitally important to the government. 

The cabinet members need to be approved by the senate in a special “hearing”.

Alexander Hamilton was the first ever appointed cabinet member, under George Wahington, as the secretary of treasury, as some might know from the Hit Broadway Musical, Hamilton. He was approved by the senate unanimously, and within minutes of the start of the confirmation hearing. Some of the cabinet positions were created after the time of Hamilton, like the Department of Agriculture, and most recently, in 2001, the Department of Homeland Security. 

Cabinet positions were not only added, one actually was removed, the position of the Postmaster General, in 1971, after the “Congress re-designated the Post Office as ‘an independent establishment of the executive branch.’” -History.com

Many departments  are run by cabinet members, including, The State Department, According to state.gov,  ”The U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity.” 

Additionally, the Department of Agriculture is headed by the agricultural secretary- according to Grants.gov, “[the] U.S. Department of Agriculture [also called the] (USDA) provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on sound public policy, the best available science, and efficient management.” , 

Also, the Department of Homeland Security, a vital security agency, is also headed by a cabinet member. According to the DHS, “Under the Secretary's leadership, DHS is responsible for counterterrorism, cybersecurity, aviation security, border security, port security, maritime security, administration and enforcement of our immigration laws,” And much, much, more!

There are many other cabinet positions, and there has been a lot of info released about which secretaries Biden has nominated for Biden's cabinet. There are many notable nominees. 

For example, Gen. Lloyd Austin was nominated for the Department of Defence. Austin is the first Black person to run the pentagon, retiring from active service in the military only 4 years ago.

Another high profile nominee is Janet Yellen,she is the first female treasury secretary ever.  “Yellen already made history as the first woman to have chaired the Federal Reserve.”-CNN She also has served many different high up positions throughout the years. Some other names you might recognize from democratic primary election, like Pete Buttigieg, the confirmed secretary of transportation, which is, “responsible for planning and coordinating federal transportation projects.” -usa.gov. In conclusion the cabinet is facing some big changes under new leadership, and as always, is a vitally important part of the democracy of our nation.