President-elect Joe Biden plans to take executive action to roll back some high profile executive orders, according to incoming chief of staff, Ron Klain, in a memo to senior staff.
On Wednesday, following his inauguration, Biden will end Trump’s restriction on immigration to the US from some Muslim-majority countries, many of which were restricted under President Obama, move to rejoin the Paris climate accord and mandate mask-wearing on federal property and during interstate travel.
Biden also plans on extending the pause on student loan payments and actions meant to prevent evictions and foreclosures for those struggling during the pandemic.
“These executive actions will deliver relief to the millions of Americans that are struggling in the face of these crises,” Klain said in the memo. “President-elect Biden will take action — not just to reverse the gravest damages of the Trump administration — but also to start moving our country forward.”
“Full achievement” of Biden’s goals will require Congress to act, Klain said, including the $1.9 trillion virus relief bill he outlined on Thursday.
Klain said that Biden would also propose a comprehensive immigration reform bill to lawmakers on his first day in office.
Klain said Biden would sign orders related to the COVID-19 outbreak aimed at reopening schools and businesses and expanding virus testing. The following day, Friday, will see action on providing economic relief to those suffering the economic costs of the pandemic.
He continued, saying “the legal theory behind them is well-founded and represents a restoration of an appropriate, constitutional role for the President,” pushing back against legal opposition and fears of courts overturning overreaches by the executive branch.
