WASHINGTON — Shalanda Young has made a name for herself as a skilled negotiator among Democrats, particularly as the White House budget director, where her influence helped avert several potential economic crises.
She was integral in brokering a crucial agreement in 2023 that prevented the government from defaulting on its debt. Her efforts also encompassed keeping the government operational, securing disaster assistance, and addressing a critical shortage of baby formula. Additionally, she played a key role in sustaining aid to Ukraine through a loan backed by frozen Russian assets.
Often considered a powerful yet discreet force within the Biden administration, Young exits her role at the Office of Management and Budget with a noteworthy record of achievements, especially as President Joe Biden’s approval ratings plummet and his legacy remains mixed.
Her success stems from a unique combination of understanding federal spending intricacies, gauging political sentiments accurately, and persuading hesitant lawmakers that compromise was mutually beneficial.
“She was quite a formidable negotiator due to her intelligence and exceptional sense of humor,” remarked former Republican Representative Patrick McHenry, adding that he meant this as the highest form of praise.
Relaxing on a couch in her spacious office at the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, Young credits her achievements to “allowing Republicans who wish to do what is right the political leeway to do so.”
As the incoming administration prepares for challenges such as raising the debt ceiling, crafting a budget, and extending around $4 trillion in tax cuts set to expire, Young’s absence will be felt. With Republicans now holding the majority in both chambers, newly appointed Budget Director Russell Vought may face less need for the negotiation skills Young utilized. During his confirmation hearings, he was non-committal about adhering to Congressional directives concerning Ukraine aid.
At age 47, Young, whose experience includes nearly 15 years on the House Appropriations Committee, recognizes the complexities of budget issues and partisanship without hesitation. She has effectively navigated the challenges of single parenthood while holding significant government responsibilities, often conducting late-night discussions with lawmakers alongside the sounds of her 3-year-old daughter, Charlie.
Young chose to pursue in vitro fertilization treatments, reinforcing her belief that women can juggle high-powered jobs and the demands of motherhood. This decision brought her a whirlwind of sleepless nights, intense phone calls, and merely four weeks of maternity leave. “I was determined not to have to choose; both paths carried significant risks,” she explained. “I’m pleased I embraced the chaos.”
Her journey into parenthood has reshaped her perspective, leading her to think about the struggles faced by parents with fewer resources. She advocates for fair compensation that would allow working families to access quality childcare and healthcare services.
Raised in Clinton, Louisiana, Young was inspired by her grandmother, who returned to coaching basketball to set a strong example. Her grandmother emphasized the importance of being a role model: “You never know who is watching you. Always act like a leader.” This belief influences her negotiation style, allowing all parties to approach discussions as humans.
During her negotiations about Ukraine funding, she recalled her own visit to the country, where she engaged with children at a center, which helped ground the discussions in a human context.
As 2023 negotiations to raise the debt ceiling progressed, Young became increasingly concerned about a faction of Republicans viewing a potential default as an acceptable risk. Nevertheless, she remained optimistic, believing that enough legislators acknowledged the gravity of the situation.
Negotiations often felt chaotic on Capitol Hill, so Young moved discussions to a more secluded setting in the Office of Management and Budget to maintain focus and privacy. She emphasized the importance of getting the right Republican lawmakers in the room, including McHenry.
After establishing preliminary numbers, Republicans required significant concessions regarding work requirements for food aid recipients, a compromise Young surprisingly accepted, understanding it would affect some individuals negatively.
To finalize the agreement, Young requested President Biden’s return from an overseas trip. Confident in the deal, she still had to juggle her commitments, including delivering a commencement speech at Xavier University in New Orleans shortly after concluding intensive discussions. “I’m glad I attended the speech, although that weekend nearly did me in,” she chuckled.
Young expressed her greatest apprehension was presenting the agreement to Democratic lawmakers, fearing a negative backlash. To her relief, she received a standing ovation, which overwhelmed her emotionally. “I cried like a baby,” she confided.
While Young has secured a position for her post-White House career, the details remain under wraps. She looks forward to a simpler life, imagining a future where she only has to manage one cellphone.
