Category: Biden Administration
Border policy Is getting more and more convoluted. That’s creating false hope for migrants.
The Biden administration and the Mexican government have made the situation at the border so confusing that even seasoned experts can’t always determine who is allowed in and who isn’t. That may be contributing to the…
Biden cancels Trump border wall projects using diverted funds
“Now they must commit to restoring protected public lands and sacred sites, and tearing down sections of wall.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer May 1, 2021 Advocacy groups and politicians on Friday welcomed the Pentagon’s…
‘Watershed moment’ as Haaland revokes Trump-era orders, creates climate task force
“Today’s orders make certain that the Interior Department is no longer going to serve as a rubber-stamp for the coal and oil and gas industries.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Friday, April 16, 2021…
“No good choices”: HHS Is cutting safety corners to move migrant kids out of overcrowded facilities
After ignoring signs that shelters were filling quickly, agencies are scrambling to get thousands of kids out of Border Patrol jails. But new “emergency” facilities skirt safety standards, while facilities accused of abuse are still getting…
Biden’s embrace of Trump-era fentanyl ban ‘threatens to repeat past missteps,’ critics warn
One expert urged policymakers to “rethink these efforts to double down on fear-based, enforcement-first approaches, and instead invest in public health alternatives.” by Kenny Stancil, staff writer April 14, 2021 After the Biden administration this…
Schumer vows to push through ‘Republican obstruction’ and confirm Deb Haaland as Interior Secretary
The Senate majority leader said he “just filed cloture to move ahead” with the New Mexico congresswoman’s nomination. by Brett Wilkins, staff writer Tuesday, March 9, 2021 As Republican U.S. senators continued attempts to obstruct Rep….
Peace advocates welcome Biden move to limit war powers
‘We Need to Make Sure It’s Done Right’ The president and Congress, said one leading anti-war campaigner, “must work together to actually end the decades long fighting, killing, dying, and spending that is on automatic pilot.”…
From ‘aliens’ to ‘noncitizens’ – the Biden administration is proposing to change a legal term to recognize the humanity of non-Americans
by Kevin Johnson, University of California, Davis Wednesday, February 24, 2021 If a proposed law passes, this group of immigrants apprehended at the U.S. border near Mission, Texas, would be called ‘noncitizens,’ not ‘aliens.’ Sergio Flores…
After Trump was allowed to let lobbyist run Interior Dept., Manchin called to ‘Do what’s right’ and confirm Haaland
“The opposition to Congresswoman Haaland’s confirmation is narrow and guided by money, not the qualifications or historic importance of what the nomination of Deb Haaland will do for this country.” by Kenny Stancil, staff writer Tuesday,…
‘Indian Country’ is excited about the first Native American secretary of the interior – and the promise she has for addressing issues of importance to all Americans
by Traci Morris, Arizona State University Tuesday, February 16, 2021 U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland speaks in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on Oct. 1, 2018. Mark Ralston/AFP via Getty Images President Biden’s nomination of U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland of…
Deb Haaland faces GOP backlash over role in pipeline protests
Opposition to fracking and fossil fuel pipelines “are the exact reasons Deb Haaland is the right pick for Interior secretary,” said one advocacy group. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, February 16, 2021 Republican Sen. John…
The return of the Regulators
Like them or revile them, federal agencies seem poised to regain some of their traditional powers under the new administration. But it’s not clear how far President Biden wants them to go. by Jesse Eisinger, ProPublica…
‘Eviction moratorium is not enough’: 200+ groups demand rent cancellation, debt relief
“To prevent an eviction disaster and the public health crisis that would come with it, we need immediate action that provides full debt relief.” by Andrea Germanos, staff writer Thursday, January 4, 2021 A diverse coalition…
Biden boots ‘union busters and anti-government ideologues’ from key labor panel
Labor leaders called for replacements “with a background in labor-management relations who are not hostile toward unions.” by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Thursday, February 4, 2021 In another early win for organized labor, President Joe Biden…
Despite Biden moratorium, ICE and CBP deport hundreds
‘Get These Agencies Under Control Immediately’ “Don’t. Look. Away. We can’t trust ICE and CBP, even if their boss is a Democrat.” by Jake Johnson, staff writer Tuesday, February 2, 2021 “How many more lives must…
As GOP Senators push smaller Covid-19 relief package, Dem leaders move to advance Biden’s bolder plan
“Congress must pursue a bold and robust course of action. It makes no sense to pinch pennies when so many Americans are struggling,” said the Senate majority leader. by Jessica Corbett, staff write Monday, February 1,…
Biden withdraws Trump rule attacking Social Security Disability recipients
“Wonderful news,” said one activist. by Jake Johnson, staff writer Thursday, January 28, 2021 Social Security defenders on Thursday celebrated news that the Biden White House has withdrawn a regulation pushed by the Trump administration that,…
Biden orders on food aid heralded as ‘Most significant anti-hunger actions in modern times’
The expected executive action comes as “families are struggling with food insecurity like never before.” by Andrea Germanos, staff writer Friday, January 21 Social justice organizations and Democratic lawmakers on Friday welcomed President Joe Biden’s expected…
Flurry of Biden orders on COVID-19 raise some doubts, but more hopes
by Jacob Holter, Cronkite News Washington, D.C. Almost half of the 24 executive orders President Joe Biden has signed in his first two days in office have dealt with COVID-19, which White House officials cite as…
Replacing lead service lines – perfect infrastructure project
by Wade Rathke January 22, 2021 New Orleans Recently, Social Policy was lucky enough to have fifty contributors offer ideas suggesting priorities for the new Biden administration. There were some amazing recommendations, and we’ll dig…
Biden pick of Rosenworcel to lead FCC out of carnage left by Ajit Pai
“She knows the FCC from the bottom up and she understands how to make good things happen there,” said one former Commissioner. by Brett Wilkins, staff writer Friday, January 22 Digital rights and other progressive groups…
Under pressure from workers, Biden fires anti-union labor board lawyer
“Today is a good day,” declared the SEIU, which had called on the president to immediately oust NLRB General Counsel Peter Robb. by Jessica Corbett, staff writer Thursday, January 21 Along with signing a slate of…
With Senate majority reclaimed, progressives demand bold agenda from Biden
‘No More Excuses’ “A working majority in both houses of Congress means that any decision to court Republican votes will be made by choice.” by Kenny Stancil, staff writer Friday, January 8, 2021 With President Donald…
John Kerry, Biden’s Climate Czar, talks about saving the planet
In the months before the election, Joe Biden’s most influential voice on the issue of our age shared his views on climate migration, open borders, the threat of nationalism, and the challenge posed by China. by…