15+ Key Executive Actions By President Biden

The Biden administration has been in office for over two years, and during this time, President Joe Biden has taken numerous executive actions to address various issues and fulfill his campaign promises. These actions cover a wide range of topics, from economic and social policies to environmental initiatives and international relations. Let's delve into some of the key executive actions taken by President Biden and their impact on the United States and the world.

Economic Policies and Stimulus Measures

President Biden prioritized economic recovery and support for American families, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are some notable economic initiatives:

The American Rescue Plan

In March 2021, Biden signed the American Rescue Plan into law, a 1.9 trillion economic stimulus package. This plan aimed to provide direct relief to individuals, families, and businesses affected by the pandemic. Key provisions included:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Stimulus Payments</strong>: Direct payments of up to 1,400 per person were sent to eligible Americans, helping to boost consumer spending and stabilize the economy.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

President Biden made infrastructure a key focus of his administration. In November 2021, he signed the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a $1.2 trillion bill that aims to modernize the nation’s infrastructure. This act includes funding for:

• Roads and Bridges: Investing in repairing and upgrading the country’s roads, highways, and bridges.
• Public Transit: Improving public transportation systems, including buses, subways, and rail networks.
• Broadband Internet: Expanding access to high-speed internet, especially in rural and underserved areas.
• Water Infrastructure: Upgrading water systems and addressing issues like lead contamination.
• Electric Grid: Modernizing the nation’s power grid to enhance reliability and support renewable energy integration.

Social and Racial Justice Initiatives

President Biden has also taken steps to address social and racial injustices, aiming to create a more equitable society.

The American Families Plan

Biden proposed the American Families Plan in April 2021, which focused on supporting families and addressing income inequality. Key aspects include:

• Child Care and Education: The plan proposed investing in universal pre-K education and providing subsidies for child care, making it more affordable for working families.
• Paid Family and Medical Leave: Biden advocated for a national paid family and medical leave program, ensuring that workers can take time off without losing income.
• Student Loan Relief: The plan aimed to provide relief to millions of student loan borrowers by canceling a portion of their debt.

Police Reform and Racial Justice

In response to nationwide calls for police reform and racial justice, President Biden has taken the following actions:

• Executive Order on Police Reform: Biden issued an executive order directing the Department of Justice to develop guidelines for police departments to reduce racial profiling and excessive use of force.
• Support for the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act: He has voiced his support for this bill, which aims to address police misconduct and racial biases in law enforcement.
• Addressing Systemic Racism: The administration has launched initiatives to combat systemic racism, including the creation of a task force to address racial disparities in the criminal justice system.

Environmental and Climate Change Actions

Addressing climate change and transitioning to a cleaner energy economy have been central to President Biden’s agenda.

The Build Back Better Plan

The Build Back Better Plan is a comprehensive climate and social policy proposal. It includes:

• Clean Energy Investments: The plan proposes significant investments in clean energy technologies, renewable energy sources, and energy efficiency programs.
• Climate Change Mitigation: It aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a more sustainable and resilient economy.
• Environmental Justice: The plan addresses environmental injustices, particularly in communities of color, by investing in pollution reduction and clean-up efforts.

Rejoining the Paris Agreement

One of Biden’s first actions as president was to rejoin the Paris Agreement, a global accord to combat climate change. This move signaled the United States’ commitment to international climate efforts and set ambitious targets for reducing carbon emissions.

Immigration and Border Policy

President Biden has faced challenges in managing immigration and border policies, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immigration Reform Efforts

Biden has proposed legislation to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants, known as the U.S. Citizenship Act. This bill aims to provide legal status and eventual citizenship to millions of immigrants living in the United States.

Addressing Border Challenges

The administration has been working to address the surge of migrants at the southern border. Biden has taken steps to:

• Reunite Migrant Families: The administration has made efforts to reunite families separated at the border under the previous administration’s “zero-tolerance” policy.
• Improve Asylum Processes: Biden has directed the Department of Homeland Security to review and improve asylum procedures, ensuring a fair and efficient system.
• Address Root Causes: The administration is collaborating with countries in Central America to address the economic and social factors driving migration.

Foreign Policy and International Relations

President Biden has sought to reengage with allies and strengthen international partnerships.

Restoring Global Leadership

Biden has emphasized the importance of American leadership on the world stage. He has:

• Rejoined International Organizations: The United States has rejoined the World Health Organization and other multilateral bodies, signaling a return to global cooperation.
• Hosted Global Summits: Biden hosted the Leaders Summit on Climate and the Summit for Democracy, bringing together world leaders to address critical global issues.

Addressing Global Challenges

The administration has been actively involved in addressing various international challenges, including:

• COVID-19 Response: The United States has played a leading role in global vaccine distribution and pandemic recovery efforts.
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation: Biden has engaged in diplomatic efforts to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.
• Countering Terrorism: The administration has continued to combat terrorism, including targeting extremist groups and addressing their online presence.

Healthcare and Pandemic Response

President Biden’s administration has focused on improving healthcare access and addressing the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Expanding Healthcare Access

Biden has taken steps to:

• Protect Affordable Care Act: The administration has defended the Affordable Care Act (ACA) against legal challenges, ensuring its continued operation.
• Expand Medicaid: Biden has encouraged states to expand Medicaid coverage, providing healthcare to more low-income individuals.
• Lower Prescription Drug Costs: The administration has proposed measures to reduce the cost of prescription drugs, making them more affordable for Americans.

COVID-19 Response

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Biden has implemented the following measures:

• Vaccine Distribution: The administration has overseen a massive vaccination campaign, with over 200 million Americans fully vaccinated as of [date].
• Mask Mandates: Biden has supported and encouraged mask-wearing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
• Testing and Contact Tracing: The government has invested in expanding testing capacity and improving contact tracing efforts.

Military and National Security

President Biden has made national security a priority, focusing on both domestic and international threats.

Defense Budget and Modernization

The administration has proposed a defense budget that includes funding for:

• Military Equipment: Investing in modernizing and upgrading military hardware, including aircraft, ships, and weapons systems.
• Cybersecurity: Enhancing the nation’s cyber defenses to protect against digital threats.
• Special Operations Forces: Providing additional resources to special operations units for counterterrorism and other missions.

Countering Domestic Extremism

In the wake of the January 6th Capitol attack, Biden has directed the Department of Homeland Security to:

• Assess Domestic Terrorism Threat: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the domestic terrorism threat landscape.
• Enhance Intelligence Sharing: Improve information sharing among federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to counter domestic extremism.

Future Implications and Ongoing Initiatives

President Biden’s executive actions have set the stage for various policy initiatives and ongoing efforts. Some key areas to watch include:

• Gun Control: The administration has proposed measures to address gun violence, including expanded background checks and assault weapons bans.
• Climate Change Mitigation: The Biden administration continues to push for ambitious climate goals, with a focus on transitioning to a clean energy economy.
• Electoral Reform: Biden has voiced support for electoral reforms, such as expanding voting access and combating voter suppression.
• Foreign Policy Engagement: The United States is expected to remain actively engaged in global affairs, particularly in addressing regional conflicts and promoting human rights.