President Biden has only been in office for a few weeks, and yet he has already reversed or put a stop to many of President Trump’s policies. Biden has signed several executive orders, and many past policies are “under review.” As of February 3rd, Biden has signed 28 executive orders, setting a modern record. Biden has also made eight proclamations (plus one ceremonial), sent 11 presidential memoranda, and written two letters (rejoining the World Health Organization and Paris climate agreement). But what are the details of Biden’s actions?
Many of Biden’s proclamations acknowledge important national observations, such as American Heart Month, 2021; National Black History Month, 2021; and National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2021.
President Biden’s memorandums mainly focus on increasing federal support for COVID-19 efforts and combating racism and xenophobia within immigration policies.
Biden’s more substantial policy changes are found in his executive orders, which focus on COVID-19, preventing discrimination, and climate change.
Among the six orders about COVID-19, two of the orders relate to mask-wearing on transportation and at federal buildings. Several other orders are concerned with ensuring adequate data collection and access to care for COVID-19.
Biden’s executive orders also attempt to limit discrimination. For example, “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation,” affirms the administration’s policy that discrimination on this basis is illegal. This order also directs the head of each federal agency to assess and change their policies to ensure that their policies are not discriminatory. Another order, “Enabling All Qualified Americans to Serve Their Country in Uniform,” is designed to allow transgender individuals to serve in the armed forces.
“Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis,” orders all federal agencies to examine their past policies under the Trump Administration. The agencies are directed to change any Trump policies that oppose climate protection. Further, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” reinforces climate change as a major priority of the Biden Administration and confirms Biden’s intentions to rejoin and abide by the Paris Agreement.
Biden also aims to undo Trump’s immigration policies. In “The Establishment of Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families,” Biden prioritizes reuniting families separated, amid much controversy, at American borders.
Addressing discrimination, the pandemic, immigration, and much more, President Biden has signed numerous orders and is creating immediate change. However, putting all of these executive actions into effect is likely to take far longer than two weeks.
Many of Biden’s proclamations acknowledge important national observations, such as American Heart Month, 2021; National Black History Month, 2021; and National Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, 2021.
President Biden’s memorandums mainly focus on increasing federal support for COVID-19 efforts and combating racism and xenophobia within immigration policies.
Biden’s more substantial policy changes are found in his executive orders, which focus on COVID-19, preventing discrimination, and climate change.
Among the six orders about COVID-19, two of the orders relate to mask-wearing on transportation and at federal buildings. Several other orders are concerned with ensuring adequate data collection and access to care for COVID-19.
Biden’s executive orders also attempt to limit discrimination. For example, “Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation,” affirms the administration’s policy that discrimination on this basis is illegal. This order also directs the head of each federal agency to assess and change their policies to ensure that their policies are not discriminatory. Another order, “Enabling All Qualified Americans to Serve Their Country in Uniform,” is designed to allow transgender individuals to serve in the armed forces.
“Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science To Tackle the Climate Crisis,” orders all federal agencies to examine their past policies under the Trump Administration. The agencies are directed to change any Trump policies that oppose climate protection. Further, “Tackling the Climate Crisis at Home and Abroad,” reinforces climate change as a major priority of the Biden Administration and confirms Biden’s intentions to rejoin and abide by the Paris Agreement.
Biden also aims to undo Trump’s immigration policies. In “The Establishment of Interagency Task Force on the Reunification of Families,” Biden prioritizes reuniting families separated, amid much controversy, at American borders.
Addressing discrimination, the pandemic, immigration, and much more, President Biden has signed numerous orders and is creating immediate change. However, putting all of these executive actions into effect is likely to take far longer than two weeks.