WASHINGTON (TIP): President-elect Joe Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris have added another Indian American to their economic team to “lift all Americans out of the current economic crisis” caused by covid-19 pandemic. Bharat Ramamurti, a former top economic adviser to Senator Elizabeth Warren’s 2020 presidential campaign, will serve as deputy director for Financial Reform and Consumer Protection, on the National Economic Council (NEC). David Kamin, a law professor at New York University School of Law, was also named deputy director of NEC, while Joelle Gamble, was named Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy earlier in December, Biden named Brian Deese, who helped lead Obama’s efforts to bail out the automotive industry and negotiate the Paris climate agreement, to lead the council, which coordinates the country’s economic policymaking.

Indian American Neera Tanden, named to lead Director of the Office of Management and Budget, is another key member of Biden-Harris economic team.

 “These qualified and talented individuals represent the incoming administration’s commitment to having a team of diverse experts ready to build our economy back better,” Biden-Harris transition team said Ramamurti, Managing Director of the Corporate Power program at the Roosevelt Institute, also served as counsel for banking and economic policy in Warren’s Senate office.

He was also appointed in April to serve on the Congressional Oversight Commission for the CARES Act by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. Born in Massachusetts, Ramamurti is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School. He lives in Washington, DC with his wife and two daughters.

On being named as NEC member, Ramamurti tweeted, “I’m honored to be joining the Biden-Harris Administration as Deputy Director of the National Economic Council.

“We have much to do to get through this crisis and create a stronger and fairer economy — and I’m excited to get to work alongside this great team.”

The council will help Biden and Harris “lift all Americans out of the current economic crisis — and build a strong, inclusive, and more resilient economy for the future,” the transition stated.

“Working families are struggling through the deepest, most inequitable economic and jobs crisis in modern history,” said Biden. “This is no time to build back the way things were before — this is the moment to build a new American economy that works for all.” “Today’s appointees have broad viewpoints on how to build a stronger and more inclusive middle class,” he said. “With their robust experience and qualifications, they will provide the needed voices to guide my administration in overcoming our nation’s unprecedented economic challenges.”

“In the face of the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression, this team is ready to hit the ground running on day one to rebuild an economy that works for working people and all those looking to work,” said Harris.

“These seasoned public servants have the knowledge and experience to act quickly and decisively to address this economic crisis, responsibly open our economy, and put people back to work.”

“And I look forward to working with them to create jobs and opportunity for all Americans,” added the Indian American leader. “President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Harris share a bold agenda to build our nation back better than before for working families,” said incoming White House Chief of Staff Ron Klain.

“These individuals join an impressive group of White House staff and advisors focused on making sure every American has a fair shot to pursue and achieve the American dream.”