On January 20, 2021, Joe Biden proclaimed in his inaugural address his top priority for the United States of America: “Bringing America together, uniting our people, and uniting our nation.” Biden’s goal of unity seems difficult to achieve, as the new president is inheriting a highly polarized country, full of unrest and hatred. To add to his burden, Biden is charged with fixing an economy in turmoil, relieving the environmental damage the country has perpetuated, and, of course, confronting the Coronavirus pandemic that is still raging throughout the United States. Biden has introduced plans to absolve each of these major issues he faces, but whether these efforts will be enough or in vain must be left to history to decide.
The Coronavirus has killed about 500 thousand Americans since it first surfaced in January of 2020. The pandemic has left the country in disarray, as daily life has been altered completely and ever-present anxiety looms in every corner. However, with the start of vaccine distribution in December, a sliver of hope seems to have been restored to the country as people wait with alacrity to receive their doses. President Biden, sharing the hope of many to return to normalcy, has been avid about getting vaccines out as fast as possible, pledging to administer 100 million vaccinations in his first 100 days, a lofty but attainable goal according to experts. However, Biden’s efforts do not end at vaccines. The president, on his first day in office, signed a national mask mandate that required masks on federal grounds and other places that would not incite dispute from opponents of mask-wearing. Biden is urging states to instate a mask mandate to cover areas his executive order did not. In addition, Biden wants to help small businesses and schools—most likely through monetary means—continue to adjust to COVID-19 and eventually be able to reopen safely. All in all, Biden’s plan aims to mitigate the consequences of the pandemic on individuals, businesses, schools, and services. This wide scope of impact makes the plan look incredibly promising.
Unfortunately, the Coronavirus has left the economy in shatters. Biden has vaguely outlined long-term goals for the economy as well as introduced a stimulus plan to stimulate economic recovery. Many Americans are anxiously awaiting the passage of the $1.94 trillion stimulus plan, which includes $1,400 checks to lower-income families, an increase of the minimum wage to $15, which was struck down in the Senate, and increased unemployment benefits. Due to the Democratic majority present in both chambers, the bill, titled the American Rescue Plan, was passed on March 6th and will hopefully provide Americans with the means to revitalize the economy. In terms of non-Coronavirus economic goals, Biden has promised to help mitigate student debt burdens and increase the tax rate on corporations and the highest tax bracket. Despite this raise, Biden’s economic policies seem to predict that large government deficits—when spending exceeds revenue—will carry on in his administration, especially due to increased government spending for the Coronavirus.
Biden has also proposed a move to increase jobs in clean energy to stimulate the economy, just one aspect of his extensive environmental plan. One key promise Biden made to the American public during his campaign was refocusing government efforts on absolving climate change. Already, Biden rejoined the Paris Climate Agreement on his first day in office. He has developed a nineteen-page plan entailing investments in greener infrastructure, mostly directed at disadvantaged communities; the promotion of public transportation services in urban areas; $400 billion for green technology research; and, most importantly, putting the country on track to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. However, is this plan enough? Many climate scientists say it is not, citing the absence of three key elements: a fracking ban, a focus on agriculture, and an intention to pressure other countries to reduce their environmental impact. Of course, Biden’s environmental plan is promising, but much more action is needed to address this existential threat before we run out of time. Unfortunately, a more progressive and bolder plan would be met with more resistance in Congress, so this current plan may be the only option available at the moment.
Overall, the Biden administration seems to have the best interest of the American people in mind with his proposed plans. However, will these plans be enough to alleviate some of the issues the country is facing?
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