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“Shuwanza Goff On the Hot Seat as Shutdown Looms Under Biden’s Watch

With the looming possibility of a partial US government shutdown, President-elect Joe Biden’s new Congressional Liaison, Shuwanza Goff, is on the spot. Goff is tasked to foster better relationships with Congress, the Biden Adminitration’s top priority. In the 2020 election, the Democrats gained control of both the White House and Congress, so the role of the Congressional Liaison is now more important than ever. Goff is the former Chief of Staff to Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH). For the past four years, she has been on the front line of legislative negotiations and has great experience dealing with members of Congress. Having worked with Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, she is well-versed in navigating the intense mediation that comes with federal lawmaking. Given her experiences, she is well-equipped to take the reins as the Congressional Liaison. Beyond the current shutdown concern, she will also need to work on other issues that Congress will address this coming session, including a stimulus package for the American people and President-elect Biden’s other top priorities. Goff also brings several diversity attributes to the table as a Black woman in a senior-level role in the White House. As the Congressional Liaison, her influence and understanding of the complexities of the process will be a welcome addition to an already diverse cabinet. Although to be very effective in her new role, Goff will need to quickly earn trust from both the Biden Administration and the Congress. In a time of shutdown indecision, she will need to leverage her relationships to work out a deal that is beneficial to the American people. Overall, Shuwanza Goff has the experience, skillset, and determination to bridge the gap between Congress and the Biden Administration. Whether it is to work through current worries such as the potential government shutdown or to develop a stimulus package for the American people, she is the right person for the job.