In a largely ceremonial action, Biden also signed a proclamation for January 20, 2021, to be officially known as “a National Day of Unity,” calling on the American people to “join together and write the next story of our democracy — an American story of decency and dignity, of love and of healing, and of greatness and of goodness.”
President Joe Biden signed executive orders in the Oval Office soon after he was sworn in last month.Evan Vucci/AP/Shutterstock
Unity was a central theme of Biden’s campaign, one that the new president has framed as a marked contrast from the Trump administration’s often divisive rhetoric and policies.
In a statement released on Thursday, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said more actions would be forthcoming.
Equity and Equality
The order alsorevokes a Trump executive orderestablishing his administration’s 1776 Commission, an 18-member panel that aimed to rewrite history and develop an education framework rooted in “patriotism.”
The Environment
In one of his first executive actions, Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Accord, an international agreement designed to mitigate catastrophic global warming.
In June 2017, Trump announced that the U.S. would cease all participation in the landmark 2015 agreement, which he described as being unfair to American businesses. The process to rejoin the accord will take 30 days.
Biden also ordered animmediate reviewof all policies enacted during Trump’s time in office that don’t “advance environmental justice” and canceled the March 2019 permit for the Keystone XL Pipeline, which would have transported crude oil from Canada to the Gulf Coast.
The pipeline was highly controversial, as it would have extended through ecologically sensitive areas, including aquifers from which drinking water is sourced. The pipeline is currently not in operation, though it is partially constructed, asThe New York Timesreported.
President Joe Biden (L) and former president Donald Trump.Getty Images
The Economy
One executive order extends a nationwide moratorium on evictions and foreclosures until at least March 31. Another extends apause on student loan paymentsand interest for those with student loans until at least September 30.
Coronavirus
As promised, one of Biden’s first executive actions was tosign an orderasking Americans to wear masks for his first 100 days in office. The order signed on Wednesday also requires that masks be worn on federal lands and within federal buildings.
A separate order halts the White House’s exit from the World Health Organization, a marked reversal from Trump, who had threatened to permanently hold U.S. funding to the United Nations' agency, which is responsible for international public health. The order also places Dr. Anthony Fauci in charge of the U.S. delegation to the WHO.
Biden also signed an executive order creating the position ofCOVID-19 response coordinator, who will report directly to the president and “coordinate all elements of the COVID-19 response.”
In aNovember interview with MSNBC, Biden Chief of Staff Ron Klain said the response coordinator person will brief the president daily.
President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden.CNN
Immigration
Five of Biden’s first executive orders dealt directly with immigration, undoing much of the Trump administration’s efforts to dramatically reshape policy in the U.S.
Anotherexecutive orderoverturned the Trump policy of making sanctuary cities ineligible for federal grants.
Biden also signed an order extending the deferral of deportations and work authorizations forLiberians"forced to flee their country as a result of armed conflict and widespread civil strife."
Other
source: people.com
