Here’s what congressional progressives want Biden to do through executive power
Ryan King
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Congressional progressives outlined a sweeping agenda Thursday that they are pressuring President Joe Biden to implement via executive action.
Cognizant of the political division within Congress, the Congressional Progressive Caucus argued that Biden has the authority to make dramatic progress on climate change, social justice, workers’ rights, tamping down corporate influence, and more.
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“I’m incredibly proud of what the CPC’s Executive Action Agenda was able to accomplish in 2022, and I am thrilled to announce our 2023 slate, which is primed for even greater impact,” Caucus Chairwoman Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) said in a statement. “With a divided Congress, President Biden must make full use of his executive authority to continue to deliver for working families.”
Among the dozens of pitches were proposals for the administration to step up oversight of the airline industry, enact more stringent safety measures for the rail industry, implement policies to lower prescription drug prices, ramp up supervision of the banking sector, and encourage more diversity in the workforce.
For instance, the agenda calls for the administration to order the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs “to mandate the disaggregation of affirmative action goals” for federal contractor hiring.
Another item on the wish list was to declare a public health emergency to direct federal funds for out-of-state travel for abortion using authority in the Public Readiness and Emergency Preparedness Act.
The Progressive Caucus, which mostly includes House Democrats, touted its past success with its 2022 agenda.
Last year, Biden appeared to follow the group’s advice and implement widespread student loan debt cancellation, use the Defense Production Act to “catalyze renewable energy technology,” and undertake multiple actions on abortion, per the caucus.
Although some progressives have grumbled at Biden over his apparent tack to the center on a host of topics, such as immigration, crime, and the permitting of the Willow Project oil drilling venture, the Progressive Caucus struck a cooperative tone.
“Democrats made essential progress in the 117th Congress, and the work continues to lower the cost of living, hold corporations accountable, and keep our promises to our communities,” Jayapal said. “I look forward to partnering with the President and his administration to enact this agenda and get results for everyone who calls this country home.”
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Scores of progressive groups, such as Be A Hero, United We Dream, the Working Families Party, Sunrise Movement, Justice Democrats, and more, endorsed the 2023 agenda. This year’s proposal marks the third of the group’s comprehensive executive action suggestions.
Some of the proposals could run into legal hurdles. For instance, Biden’s mass student loan forgiveness program is now in limbo as the Supreme Court mulls its legality.