Mohamed Eltayeb
With less than 40 days until the inauguration of Joe Biden as the 46th president of the United States, what are some of the things Biden promised to do so far in his first 100 days in office?
It’s safe to say that there is a lot of pressure on the Biden administration. The campaign has promised several new policies that address racial injustice, climate change, education, and health care. More crucially, Biden faces the formidable challenge to reverse the policies Trump has created during his presidency.
Tackling the coronavirus
Speaking from his transition headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware, Biden acknowledged that it wouldn’t be easy to combat the coronavirus pandemic, but his administration is up for the challenge. “We did not get in this mess quickly; we’re not going to get out of it quickly; it’s going to take some time. But I’m absolutely convinced that in 100 days, we can change the course of the disease and change life in America for the better.”
Biden stated that the US government would distribute 100 million COVID-19 vaccinations in his first 100 days. Biden also plans to sign a federal mask mandate that would require people to wear masks in federal buildings, on federal lands, and during interstate travel. Additionally, he wishes to get schools reopened as soon as possible, providing federal funding to schools to keep students and teachers safe.
Furthermore, Biden introduced a COVID healthcare team. California Attorney General Xavier Becerra will be appointed as secretary of health and designated former Obama Economic Adviser Jeff Zients as the White House coronavirus coordinator. Dr. Fauci will also return to the White House, becoming the chief medical adviser to Biden.
To read more about Biden’s plan for tackling the coronavirus, click here.
Immigration
Throughout his campaign, Biden has promised to voters that he will end the Trump administration family separation policy and end Trump’s asylum policies. Furthermore, Biden intends to eliminate the refugee (Muslim) ban, provide humanitarian resources to the border, and foster public-private initiatives. Biden has also pledged to close the National Emergency fund that allows federal dollars to build the U.S. and Mexico border wall and instead direct federal resources to border patrol and screening infrastructure at ports of entry.
Biden has also addressed reinstating the DACA program. Ensuring Dreamers are eligible for federal student aid and keep their families protected from separation. Moreover, the administration will reverse Trump’s public charge rule that rejects permanent residency to legal immigrants if they use public benefits such as food stamps and housing vouchers. The administration also plans to increase visas for domestic violence survivors and triple the current cap of 10,000 on U-visas
To read more about Biden’s plan for immigration, click here.
The economy
Biden’s Build Back Better plan has several points to reconstitute America’s economy. Biden plans to provide further immediate relief to state, local and tribal governments. Extend the crisis unemployment insurance for those that are unemployed and provide a federal package for businesses and entrepreneurs.
Additionally, the Biden administration intends to build a cabinet of labor representatives to create solutions that close the gap between economic inequality and increase union density. Another cabinet will be formed to increase union organizing and collective bargaining in the public and private sectors.
To read more about Biden’s plan for the economy, click here.
An ambitious 100-day plan
78-year-old President-elect Joe Biden will face a historic restless first 100 days in office, unlike any president before. The question of whether he can actually accomplish the promises he has made remains to be heavily debated. A divided country, a global pandemic and a declining economy are just some of the challenges Biden faces.
To read more about all of Biden’s plans, click here.
To contact Mohamed Eltayeb. you can reach out to him via e-mail (therealeltayeb@gmail.com) or Twitter!
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