2 Asian American senators back off threat to oppose Biden nominees after White House agrees to add senior AAPI adviser

Senators Tammy Duckworth and Mazie Hirono on Tuesday backed off their threat to vote against any of President Joe Biden's nominees who aren't minorities, after going public with their anger that the Cabinet lacks Asian Americans, and Duckworth earlier saying she felt insulted by the White House's attempts to brush off her concerns.

The move came after a tense Monday exchange between Duckworth and a top Biden aide, followed by a series of conversations Tuesday and ultimately a decision by the White House to install a senior-level aide responsive to a community that has suffered an uptick in violent and racist attacks since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic last year.

Seeking to cool tensions with the Illinois Democrat and Hirono -- a Hawaii Democrat -- the White House agreed to add a senior Asian American and Pacific Islander liaison and pledge to elevate diverse voices to the highest levels of government.

"The President has made it clear that his Administration will reflect the diversity of the country," White House press secretary Jen Psaki said in a statement. "That has always been, and remains our goal. The White House will add a senior level Asian American Pacific Islander liaison, who will ensure the community's voice is further represented and heard."

Earlier, Duckworth had told CNN she felt the White House's attempts to address her worries about Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in the administration were insulting.

"To be told that you have Kamala Harris, we are very proud of her, you don't need anybody else, is insulting," Duckworth said, adding she's been told that "multiple times" by the White House.