The Biden Administration’s Surprisingly Positive First Fifty Days

Going into Inauguration Day, many Americans were satisfied to finally see the Oval Office reclaimed by someone who, while not perfect, seemed to have common courtesy and basic administrative competency. For others, the relief inspired by Donald Trump leaving public office was mitigated by a concern that nothing would fundamentally change under a Biden administration. While President Biden is still far from a progressive president, recent orders and proposals by him and the Democratic party which he leads should inspire some confidence in those uneasy about Biden’s capacity to affect positive change.

Biden has started his term with a flurry of executive orders. Many of these reverse the actions of Donald Trump or work to address COVID-19 pandemic. Examples include rejoining the World Health Organization, rejoining the Paris Climate Accords, and extending the ban on evictions during the pandemic. Biden also signed Protecting the Federal Workforce, which requires the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to prepare a report with recommendations to promote a $15/hour minimum wage for Federal employees. President Biden also signed an order banning employees of Executive agencies, such as the Departments of Defense or State, from becoming lobbyists for two years after their public service. The Order also requires such employees to refuse donations and gifts from lobbyists. Though it remains to be seen how strictly this will be enforced, this is a small step towards a more transparent government. Lastly, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 recently passed through the Senate strictly along party lines with no Republican Senators voting in favor. The stimulus bill is a victory for many working Americans, creating child tax credits for families and bailouts for pensions under severe stress. However, the bill failed to include the $2,000 checks which Biden (and Senators Warnock and Ossoff) campaigned on, opting for $1,400 checks instead. Further, many are disappointed by the nixing of a $15 minimum wage provision from the bill, a policy point that’s received more pushback from Democrats than progressives expected. 

Senate Democrats have also come forward with several ambitious, progressive policy proposals. Most recently, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, in conjunction with Senators Corey Booker and Ron Wyden, announced that federal cannabis legalization will be a priority for Democrats in 2021. Senators Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders also recently proposed an ‘ultra-millionaire tax’, which would introduce a 2% tax on net worths greater than $50 million USD and a 3% tax on net worths greater than $1 billion USD. The proposed bill would also invest $100 billion into the IRS to allow for increased auditing on the ultra wealthy to ensure compliance.

Still, President Biden is not and should not be viewed as a true progressive. His administration recently dropped bombs in Abu Kamal, Syria, signalling that the U.S. will continue to operate in the Middle East for the foreseeable future. The attack was condemned as “cowardly U.S. aggression” by the Syrian government. The Biden administration has also continued to deport hundreds of asylum seekers early on despite campaign promises to the contrary. Additionally, Biden has refused to forgive student debt via Executive orders despite vocal support from progressive Democrats such as Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar, and Senator Schumer. Although modest provisions on student debt forgiveness that could pave the way for future cancellation are included in the American Rescue Plan, the failure to cancel debt outright has been a letdown to progressives. 

It is important to remember that many of these positive changes have been the result of sustained pressure on the Biden administration. If we want to create more positive change and correct the wrongdoings of this and past administrations, there must be a united, collective voice advocating for progressive policy such as a $15 minimum wage and increased student debt forgiveness. President Biden has shown he is open to some progressive policies, but it is up to the people - especially the young and politically active - to constantly demonstrate why these policies are necessary and engage more people in the political process.