Since taking office, President Joe Biden has issued a flurry of executive orders, tackling a wide range of issues and aiming to shape policy across various sectors. These orders have had significant implications for the United States and its citizens, addressing critical matters from the economy and healthcare to climate change and immigration. Let's delve into some of the most impactful executive orders signed by President Biden during his tenure.
1. Executive Order on Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis
Signed on January 27, 2021, this executive order aimed to combat climate change and restore environmental protections. It directed federal agencies to review and potentially reverse the environmental and climate-related actions of the previous administration. The order re-established the United States’ commitment to the Paris Agreement, a global effort to combat climate change, and directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop a comprehensive strategy to address climate change.
Impact: This order had a significant environmental impact, leading to the reversal of several Trump-era policies that relaxed environmental regulations. It also signaled a renewed U.S. commitment to international climate efforts, which could encourage other nations to take stronger action against climate change.
Key Measures and Results:
- Reinstated vehicle emission standards, a crucial step to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Directed the Department of the Interior to pause new oil and gas leases on federal lands and in coastal waters, a move to prioritize clean energy sources.
- Initiated the process of rejoining the Paris Agreement, which the U.S. officially did on February 19, 2021.
2. Executive Order on Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad
Issued on Earth Day, April 22, 2021, this executive order built upon the previous climate-related order. It aimed to achieve a carbon pollution-free power sector by 2035 and net-zero emissions economy-wide by no later than 2050.
Impact: This order solidified the Biden administration’s commitment to tackling climate change, setting ambitious goals for the transition to clean energy. It also established a special presidential envoy for climate, elevating the importance of climate issues in U.S. foreign policy.
Key Actions and Effects:
- Directed federal agencies to develop a National Climate Task Force to coordinate and implement the climate action plan.
- Launched the Justice40 Initiative, aiming to deliver 40% of the overall benefits of relevant federal investments to disadvantaged communities.
- Announced the goal of conserving at least 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030, enhancing biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
3. Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy
Signed on July 9, 2021, this order aimed to promote competition and reduce corporate dominance in various sectors, benefiting consumers and workers. It addressed concerns about market concentration and anti-competitive practices.
Impact: The order had wide-ranging implications, from lowering prices for consumers to improving working conditions for employees. It also signaled the administration’s intent to actively enforce antitrust laws and promote competition, a shift from the previous administration’s more hands-off approach.
Key Provisions and Outcomes:
- Directed the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to ban or limit non-compete clauses in employment contracts, which can restrict workers’ ability to seek better opportunities.
- Required the FTC and the Department of Justice to issue guidelines to protect competition in the labor market, benefiting both workers and businesses.
- Initiated an investigation into anti-competitive practices in the healthcare industry, particularly regarding prescription drug prices.
4. Executive Order on Strengthening Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act
Issued on January 28, 2021, this order aimed to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and expand access to healthcare, particularly through Medicaid.
Impact: The order had a significant impact on healthcare accessibility, especially for low-income individuals and families. It reversed Trump-era policies that had restricted Medicaid enrollment and aimed to enhance the stability of the ACA’s individual insurance market.
Key Changes and Benefits:
- Directed the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to reopen the ACA’s healthcare exchange enrollment period, allowing more people to access affordable healthcare plans.
- Expanded Medicaid coverage to more low-income Americans, a move that could provide healthcare to millions who were previously uninsured.
- Addressed concerns about the stability of the ACA’s individual insurance market, aiming to reduce premium increases and improve plan options.
5. Executive Order on Addressing the Threat of Pharmaceutical Pricing
Signed on July 9, 2021, this order aimed to lower prescription drug prices, making medications more affordable for Americans.
Impact: The order had the potential to significantly reduce healthcare costs for millions of Americans. It addressed a long-standing issue of high drug prices in the U.S., which had been a major concern for patients and healthcare providers alike.
Key Strategies and Potential Outcomes:
- Directed HHS to explore ways to allow the importation of safe and affordable prescription drugs from certain countries, potentially reducing costs for consumers.
- Allowed Medicare to negotiate prescription drug prices directly with pharmaceutical companies, a practice that could lead to significant savings for the program and its beneficiaries.
- Encouraged the development of generic drugs and biosimilars, which are often more affordable alternatives to brand-name medications.
6. Executive Order on Restoring Faith in Our Election Systems
Issued on March 7, 2021, this order aimed to strengthen election security and integrity, addressing concerns raised during the 2020 presidential election.
Impact: The order had implications for the integrity of future elections, particularly in the context of increasing concerns about foreign interference and election security. It signaled the administration’s commitment to ensuring fair and secure elections.
Key Initiatives and Actions:
- Directed federal agencies to support states in improving election security, including by providing resources and technical assistance.
- Called for the development of a strategy to protect election infrastructure from cyber threats, a critical step given the increasing sophistication of cyber attacks.
- Promoted the use of paper ballots and risk-limiting audits, which can enhance the accuracy and transparency of election results.
7. Executive Order on Promoting Access to Voting
Signed on September 9, 2021, this order aimed to increase voter participation and protect the right to vote, particularly for marginalized communities.
Impact: The order had the potential to significantly increase voter turnout, especially among underrepresented groups. It addressed long-standing issues of voter suppression and aimed to ensure that every eligible American had the opportunity to participate in the democratic process.
Key Measures and Goals:
- Directed federal agencies to develop strategies to promote voter registration and participation, particularly among underrepresented communities.
- Called for the expansion of early voting and vote-by-mail options, which can increase accessibility and convenience for voters.
- Addressed concerns about voter suppression, particularly in states with restrictive voting laws, by directing federal agencies to review and address these issues.
8. Executive Order on Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
Issued on January 20, 2021, this order aimed to address systemic racism and promote equity for underserved communities.
Impact: The order had far-reaching implications, affecting a wide range of policies and programs across federal agencies. It signaled the administration’s commitment to addressing racial disparities and promoting equal opportunities for all Americans.
Key Actions and Goals:
- Directed federal agencies to review and address systemic racism in their policies and programs, aiming to improve outcomes for underserved communities.
- Launched the Equity Action Plan, a comprehensive strategy to address racial disparities in areas such as education, housing, healthcare, and criminal justice.
- Promoted the use of race-conscious policies to address historical injustices and advance racial equity.
9. Executive Order on Establishing the White House Gender Policy Council
Signed on March 8, 2021, this order established a new council within the White House to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Impact: The order had significant implications for gender equality and women’s rights, creating a dedicated body within the White House to address these issues. It signaled the administration’s commitment to promoting gender equity and ensuring that women had equal opportunities in all aspects of life.
Key Roles and Responsibilities:
- Advise the President on policies and initiatives to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Coordinate and oversee federal efforts to address gender disparities in areas such as economic opportunity, healthcare, and violence against women.
- Engage with stakeholders, including civil society organizations and the private sector, to advance gender equality.
10. Executive Order on Promoting Quality Preschool Education
Issued on December 15, 2021, this order aimed to improve access to high-quality preschool education for all children.
Impact: The order had the potential to significantly enhance early childhood education, particularly for low-income families. It addressed a critical gap in the U.S. education system, as access to preschool can have a significant impact on a child’s future academic and life outcomes.
Key Initiatives and Benefits:
- Directed the Department of Education to develop a plan to increase access to high-quality preschool education, particularly for low-income and disadvantaged children.
- Called for the expansion of Head Start, a federal program that provides comprehensive early childhood education, health, and nutrition services to low-income families.
- Promoted the use of evidence-based practices in preschool education, ensuring that children receive a strong foundation for their future learning.
How do executive orders differ from laws passed by Congress?
+Executive orders are directives issued by the President that carry the force of law. They are used to manage the operations of the federal government and often have a significant impact on policy. However, they can be challenged in court and may be subject to congressional review. In contrast, laws passed by Congress are enacted through a legislative process and are more difficult to change or overturn.
What is the process for issuing an executive order?
+The President has the authority to issue executive orders without congressional approval. However, they must be consistent with the Constitution and existing laws. The President typically consults with legal advisors and relevant agencies before issuing an executive order. Once issued, the order is published in the Federal Register and becomes effective immediately or on a specified date.
Can executive orders be challenged in court?
+Yes, executive orders can be challenged in court if they are believed to be unconstitutional or exceed the President’s authority. The Supreme Court has the final say on the constitutionality of executive orders, and it has invalidated or modified several executive orders in the past.
