Shalanda Young becomes first black woman to lead Office of Management and Budget

Her office oversees executive branch agencies by developing their budgets and managing their performance.
Shalanda Young, Washington, D.C., Feb. 1, 2022
By Madeleine Hubbard

The U.S. Senate on Tuesday confirmed Shalanda Young to lead the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB), making her the first black woman to hold the position.

The vote was 61-36, with all opposition votes coming from Republicans. Fourteen GOP senators joining the Democrats to support her confirmation.

Young was confirmed nearly a year ago by 63-37 to serve as deputy director of OMB, where she served as acting director of the office after controversial Biden nominee Neera Tanden withdrew her nomination last year to lead the agency.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) celebrated her confirmation on Twitter, calling her "highly qualified."

House Majority Whip James Clyburn (D-SC) offered Young his congratulations.

"She breaks another glass ceiling as the first Black woman approved by the Senate to head this important federal agency," he tweeted. "I can think of no one more knowledgeable, qualified, or prepared to lead than her."

The OMB oversees executive branch agencies by developing their budgets, managing their performance, and reviewing regulations.