President Joe Biden signed new executive orders on Friday to provide relief for the economic problems caused by the pandemic. These executive actions come as Congress considers the president's proposed $1.9 trillion stimulus package.
Introducing the executive acts, Mr. Biden emphasized the critical economic situation in the country:
“Vice President Harris and I were briefed by the economic team. We continue to be in a once-in-a-century health crisis that has led to an economic crisis that has severely impacted the labor market. The crisis is only deepening," said the president, VOA reports.
The orders aim to increase food assistance, make it easier for needy people to apply for welfare and protect the unemployed, while raising the minimum wage to $15.
"We cannot leave people hungry. We cannot let them be evicted from their homes. We cannot and will not leave them. We cannot allow them to lose their jobs. We must act now."
One of the president's executive orders requires the Department of Agriculture to change food aid regulations so the government can provide more funding to those in need.
Children who are unable to eat breakfast and lunch at school due to coronavirus-related closures could benefit from a 15% increase in food assistance. Low-income families can apply for support from the Food Assistance Program. The formula used to calculate the amount a family receives will allow for larger benefits, according to a calculation the White House shared with news agencies.
President Biden's decisions do not replace the aid package that the legislature is expected to approve, Mr. Deese said.
About 16 million people currently receive financial assistance in the form of unemployment compensation, while about 29 million find that they do not have enough income to provide food. Women, minorities and low-income service workers have been hit hardest compared to other categories. The African American and Hispanic community face higher unemployment rates compared to white workers.
Asked about the process for the trial of former President Trump in the Senate, Mr. Biden said:
"I haven't heard anything about the details yet, but I think some time is needed for our administration to be put to work. I want to thank the Senate for approving the Secretary of Defense. It seems that we will also have the Secretaries of the Treasury and the State. The more time we have to begin working in response to the crisis, the better," Mr. Biden said.
In a test indication of where Republicans stand on President Biden's plans to pass a coronavirus relief package, infrastructure investments and tax hikes, the Senate Finance Committee voted unanimously on Friday to nominate Janet Yellen. for the post of Secretary of the Treasury, paving the way for her confirmation in the Senate.
Republican lawmakers have questioned the amount of pandemic aid and President Biden's $2 trillion proposal for infrastructure, green energy projects, education and research.
President Biden's hopes to move forward quickly with his legislative agenda and Cabinet appointments are expected to be complicated by the start of the Senate trial of former President Donald Trump early next week and bipartisan disagreements over various issues in the Senate. equally divided.
